Sources: Hunter returns to Bulls

Updated: July 14, 2009, 10:13 AM ET
By Marc Stein | ESPN.com

The Chicago Bulls, in another move to try to fortify their backcourt after the free-agent departure of Ben Gordon, have reached terms on a new contract with veteran guard Lindsey Hunter.

Sources with knowledge of the deal told ESPN.com that Hunter is receiving a one-year contract for the veteran minimum of $1.3 million, similar to the one-year deal for $2 million that the Bulls just completed with Jannero Pargo.

The Bulls, sources say, are determined to avoid any new contract that stretches beyond next season in the event that they shed a significant contract between now and next summer -- such as guard Kirk Hinrich -- to become players in the 2010 free-agent market.

Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro told the Chicago Tribune last week that he was hopeful of convincing Hunter, 38, to play at least one more season because of the leadership he provides in the locker room.

Marc Stein is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com.

Marc Stein | email

Senior Writer, ESPN.com
• Senior NBA writer for ESPN.com
• Began covering the NBA in 1993-94
• Also covered soccer, tennis and the Olympics

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