Richard Hamilton News & Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

February 2

Chicago Tribune

"One day after Luol Deng took contact on the torn ligament in his left wrist for the first time, the Bulls confirmed Richard Hamilton will sit until fully recovered from his groin and thigh bruise issues. "We don't want to keep going down this road where he plays a game or two and then he's out again," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "It's not fair to him or us. We have to get him healthy.""

Bulls taking precautions with Hamilton

February 1

Chicago Tribune

"It's possible, if not likely, Luol Deng will return from injury before Richard Hamilton. All signs point to the Bulls resting Hamilton until he fully recovers from the deep right thigh bruise and lingering left groin issues he has battled. When he tried to play Jan. 4 in Detroit, he missed the next eight games. Similarly, Hamilton responded to playing 36 minutes against the Heat on Sunday by sitting Monday in Washington. Hamilton now has missed more games than he has played, 12 to 11."

Hamilton to sit awhile after 'playing on one leg'

January 31

Chicago Tribune

"Here's a crazy, yet likely, scenario: Luol Deng will return to play with a torn ligament in his left wrist before Richard Hamilton does the same with his leg ailments. Hamilton admitted that he likely will sit for a while in an attempt to put the groin and right thigh bruise issues in his rearview mirror for good. "It's frustrating, but I have to get healthy," Hamilton said."

Watson, Deng out for Bulls; Hamilton will play

January 29

Chicago Tribune

"Luol Deng and C.J. Watson will miss Sunday's showdown against the Miami Heat, while Richard Hamilton will play. Coach Tom Thibodeau said Deng is "very close" to returning and playing with a torn ligament in his left wrist. Deng spent pregame shooting and dribbling."

Rip Hamilton (bruised thigh) uncertain to play against Heat

January 29

Chicago Sun-Times

"When the Bulls lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals last season, there was an epidemic of offensive ineptitude throughout the lineup. Though the Bulls seem to have found an antidote in shooting guard Rip Hamilton, they might be without him when they play the Heat on Sunday. Hamilton sat out the Bulls' victory Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center with a bruised thigh and is considered day-to-day. He was limited to some shooting at practice Saturday. ''We want all our pieces healthy, obviously,'' center Joakim Noah said. ''But we feel like we have enough to win. We're just going to go out there and compete as hard as possible.''"

NBA coaches say Rip Hamilton has made Bulls even better

January 25

Chicago Sun-Times

"From NBA city to NBA city, ask opposing coaches how these Bulls are better than last season's vintage, and they talk about players having another year in coach Tom Thibodeau's system, about Derrick Rose being more dangerous after extending his range beyond the three-point arc and the experience the team gained before being eliminated by the Miami Heat last season. Mostly, however, they sum up the difference in two words: Rip Hamilton. "Rip Hamilton's addition has been pretty good, and I actually liked [Keith] Bogans," Nets coach Avery Johnson said before Hamilton had 22 points in the Bulls' victory Monday night. "But Rip can give them a little bit more offensive production at the two-guard"

Richard Hamilton giving Bulls new dimension

January 24

Chicago Sun-Times

"Reaching 15,000 career points in a 110-95 victory Monday against the New Jersey Nets was a nice achievement for Rip Hamilton, but the veteran guard has given the Bulls something even more notable in their last two games. Hamilton scored 20 points Saturday against the Charlotte Bobcats, the first time since Tom Thibodeau became the Bulls' coach that a shooting guard scored 20 points in a game. Hamilton followed up that performance with a 22-point effort Monday, giving the Bulls reason to believe they have found the second backcourt scoring threat they lacked in their five-game loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals last season."

Hamilton offers glimpse of what Bulls' offense can achieve

January 19

Chicago Tribune

"Five of Richard Hamilton's six assists and six of his 11 points came in the first quarter of Tuesday's victory over the Suns, which represented 12 of his 21 minutes. Just think what Hamilton can accomplish once he practices. Unexpectedly returning from missing 10 of the last 11 games with a sore groin, Hamilton offered a glimpse of what the Bulls' offense can achieve once he is fully healthy and acclimated. He has played just five games with Derrick Rose, who sat Tuesday."

Rip Hamilton's injury proves to be a boon to Ronnie Brewer

January 15

Chicago Sun-Times

"In the wake of the Bulls' loss to the Miami Heat in five games in the Eastern Conference finals, there were understandable questions about how they would improve production at the 2-guard spot. This summer, it would have been difficult to imagine the answer was sitting on the bench. The signing of Rip Hamilton dominated talks at the Berto Center during a condensed training camp, but no sooner than the Bulls acquired the veteran shooting guard, he injured his groin, causing him to miss nine of the Bulls' 14 games. In stepped Ronnie Brewer, who was shooting 58.3 percent from three-point range and 51.9 percent from the field before Saturday's victory against the Raptors."

Rip Hamilton returned from injury too soon

January 8

Chicago Sun-Times

"When Rip Hamilton was asked whether he'd play Saturday night against the Hawks, he rolled his eyes, making his answer obvious. "It takes time, man," Hamilton said of his sore groin. "I probably shouldn't have played [against Detroit], but you couldn't keep me off that floor." Hamilton injured his groin in a Dec. 30 victory over the Clippers and came back too soon to play against his former teammates in Detroit and reaggravated it. It could be several days before Hamilton is ready to return, although coach Tom Thibodeau maintains he's day-to-day."

Richard Hamilton sits out after groin flares up

January 7

Chicago Sun-Times

"Veteran guard Rip Hamilton and the Bulls are paying the price for his determination to play against his former Detroit Pistons teammates Wednesday. Hamilton aggravated his groin injury and didn't play Friday against the Orlando Magic. ''When I went back to Detroit, there was no way I was going to sit out that game,'' Hamilton said. ''The adrenaline alone was like, 'You're good. It's OK.' I don't care who would tell me how hurt I was, I was playing regardless. ''It pulled during the game. I wrapped it up during the game and stuff like that. [On Thursday], it was bothering me.'' Coach Tom Thibodeau made it clear he decided to play Hamilton against the Pistons because he thought Hamilton was"

Hamilton out of lineup with groin strain

January 7

Chicago Tribune

"Richard Hamilton is paying for his decision to suit up against his former team. Hamilton got through 32 minutes against the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday and played well with 14 points, five assists and three rebounds. But he re-injured his sore groin and didn't play Friday night against the Magic in the Bulls' 97-83 win. The Bulls play again Saturday night in Atlanta. The 33-year-old Hamilton, though, does not regret his decision. "There was no way I was going to sit out that game," he said. "The adrenaline alone (made me feel like): 'You're good.' I don't care who would have told me how hurt I was. I was playing regardless. "It pulled in the game, so I wrapped it up. The groin is"

Ben Wallace endorsed Rip Hamilton's choice to join Bulls

January 5

Chicago Sun-Times

"Ben Wallace didn't have the greatest experience in Chicago, but that didn't stop him from encouraging teammate Rip Hamilton to join his former team. The one-time Bulls and longtime Detroit Pistons center spoke favorably about the Bulls before Hamilton signed a free-agent contract before the season. ''When I was there, they took good care of me, and I was pretty sure they would do the same for him,'' Wallace said. ''I told him that would be a nice spot for him and a nice fit. They have a point guard in Derrick Rose that demands a lot of attention and [will] allow him to run around and do what he [does].''"

Rose, four other Bulls on NBA All-Star ballot

January 5

Chicago Tribune

"Derrick Rose heads a list of five Chicago Bulls selected to be on the ballot for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. Joining Rose on the 120-player ballot, which was unveiled Tuesday at a special event in Orlando, Fla. -- site of the Feb. 26 game -- are Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Richard Hamilton."

Ex-Piston Richard Hamilton can make statement tonight -- if he plays

January 4

Detroit Free Press

columnist Vince Ellis

"t didn't take long for former Piston Rip Hamilton to make headlines with the Chicago Bulls. Fresh from his buyout from the Pistons, he told ESPNChicago.com that he was cool with former Pistons coach John Kuester. Memories of how Kuester practically benched Hamilton for nearly two months shortly after a verbal confrontation are fresh in the memories of Pistons fans. But check out Hamilton's words. "We were cool. Me and Kuester, I think the media made a big deal about it," he said. "I don't think he was the problem at all. But he was the person in the forefront that people made it seem like he was the problem, but he wasn't the problem.""

Ex-teammates with Pistons reflect on Richard Hamilton's return

January 4

Detroit News

"He hit big shots and played with a bravado that personified the most recent successful era of Pistons basketball. He also became just as big of a headache his last couple of seasons in Detroit. Still, Richard Hamilton likely will receive a rousing ovation from The Palace crowd as he returns tonight as a member of the Bulls. For Tayshaun Prince, this is old hat, seeing a former teammate come to town wearing a different uniform. The lone key member of the 2004 title team that hasn't worn an opposing jersey has seen it for everyone else: Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, and now, Hamilton. "It won't be hard, I've had the situation with Chauncey, with Ben, with 'Sheed," Prince"

Hamilton improving, Watson likely out for Bulls

January 3

Chicago Tribune

"As Richard Hamilton returned to shooting drills on a light practice day, C.J. Watson ditched the sling he had been wearing to protect his sprained left elbow. However, as Watson left the Berto Center to undergo a Monday afternoon MRI exam, coach Tom Thibodeau said it's likely Watson will miss Tuesday's home game against the Atlanta Hawks. "That would be my guess," Thibodeau said. "It's a sprain. (Athletic trainer) Fred (Tedeschi) saw him this morning and the swelling isn't too bad. He'll be day-to-day basically.""

Hamilton lauds new Clippers lineup

December 30

Chicago Tribune

"Vinny Del Negro facing his former employer isn't the only close connection that will be featured when the Bulls face the Clippers on Friday night. The game will reunite Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups, who ran side-by-side for six seasons in Detroit and played significant roles as the Pistons won the 2004 NBA championship. "That's my brother," Hamilton said. "It was awesome. We had a close relationship on and off the floor. We had a great feel for each other on the court. Our games were suited for each other but we were always competitive with each other. We didn't want the other person to be better than us. We felt for us to win we had to push each other. That was a great thing we"

Early trouble fouls up Rip Hamilton's debut

December 26

Chicago Sun-Times

"It was not a rousing debut for Rip Hamilton. The Bulls' newly acquired two-guard drew the defensive assignment on Kobe Bryant, which is something he has done since he and Bryant were both playing high school basketball against each other in Pennsylvania. This time, Hamilton picked up two early fouls and spent much of the first half on the bench. Hamilton finished with six points in just over 23 minutes. ''The two early fouls really hurt him,'' Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. ''He got a tough whistle but sometimes that's part of the game, too, and you have to deal with that. I don't think it affected him in a negative way. He has been through it. He knows. He tried to help in any way he"

Foul trouble limits Hamilton in Bulls debut

December 26

Chicago Tribune

"After his first practice as a Bull, Richard Hamilton was asked why his numbers dropped nearly to career lows as he brooded through a difficult last season with the Pistons. "Twenty-five minutes a game," Hamilton said with a laugh. Hamilton's Bulls debut featured more of the same as the veteran shooting guard logged only 23 minutes. However, instead of issues with then-Pistons coach John Kuester — who, coincidentally, sat on the Lakers bench as an assistant coach — foul trouble plagued Hamilton. "The ref got me with two early calls," Hamilton said. "Anytime you play against Kobe (Bryant), he's crafty. I just tried to stay with it." On a day the Bulls displayed the same theme, Hamilton hung"

Figure on Hamilton-Bryant matchup in season opener

December 24

Chicago Tribune

"Tom Thibodeau wouldn't reveal who would start on Kobe Bryant, who practiced Friday despite a torn wrist ligament. It's a safe bet Richard Hamilton will draw the Lakers' superstar at some point Sunday during his Bulls' debut in the Bulls-Lakers opener. It's a challenge Hamilton relishes — and knows well. Bryant's Lower Merion (Pa.) team downed Hamilton's Coatesville (Pa.) High squad in three memorable high school showdowns outside of Philadelphia. And the two teamed to dominate AAU ball on the Sam Rines' All-Stars team. "Nah, not at all," Hamilton said, laughing, when asked if that AAU team lost."

Optimism about Hamilton reigns

December 22

Chicago Tribune

"In the first quarter of Richard Hamilton's debut, he curled off a Joakim Noah screen, rose for a jumper and — when Noah's defender lunged at him — deftly dumped a pass to Noah, who got fouled on a dunk attempt. "I told Noah and (Carlos) Boozer, 'If you hit my guy, your guy is going to help and I'm going to make the pass,'" Hamilton said. "When you get your bigs easy baskets and get them flowing, they want to set screens. I want to reward the bigs.""

Bulls 93, Pacers 85: Bulls lock up Derrick Rose for 5 more years; Rip Hamilton makes stellar debut

December 21

Chicago Sun-Times

"Point guard Derrick Rose agreed to a five-year, $94 million contract extension on the same night he took the floor with the new wingman the Bulls hope can help him get the only thing he hasn't earned in his first three seasons — an NBA championship. ''Tonight at times the game felt easy,'' Rose said. Rose and shooting guard Rip Hamilton were as advertised in the exhibition finale Tuesday night against the Indiana Pacers at the United Center. There are still kinks to work out, of course. Their timing wasn't always where it needs to be, but the way they get up and down the floor, they'll have plenty of chances to perfect that. There are still nuances of each other's games to be learned,"

Notable debut for Rip Hamilton

December 21

Chicago Tribune

"Richard Hamilton may be a scorer, but you don't start on a championship team without being part of a greater collective that is, by its winning pedigree, unselfish by nature. Granted, Hamilton's impressive Bulls debut came in a 93-85 exhibition victory over the Pacers. But his ability to mesh quickly with teammates and join an impressive display of ball movement should do little to slow the visions of championships dancing in fans' heads. "On this team there are no ball hogs," Hamilton said. "There are guys trying to make plays for each other, guys always helping each other out. That makes the game so much easier. "Regular season, you'll get plays off individual talent. But once the"

Derrick Rose, Rip Hamilton: Mesh made in heaven

December 20

Chicago Sun-Times

"Ask Derrick Rose and/or Rip Hamilton how long until their skills mesh, and they'll tell you they already have. They say their games are so complementary that it's as if they've been playing together for years. "There's no adjustment," Rose said. "I love it." It was a lack of backcourt scoring that allowed the Miami Heat to collapse on Rose time and again while eliminating the Bulls from last season's Eastern Conference finals. Hamilton was acquired to remedy that. While everybody agrees they appear to be a good fit, the two most convinced of that are Rose and Hamilton themselves."

Thibodeau coy whether Hamilton will debut Tuesday

December 20

Chicago Tribune

"Exhibition game or not, coach Tom Thibodeau guards his game plan like he demands his players defend and thus played coy when asked about Richard Hamilton's availability for Tuesday night's finale. "I just want to make sure he's ready to go," Thibodeau said. "He's moving along well and in pretty good shape." Tuesday will mark Hamilton's fifth practice or shootaround since signing, and his 12 years of experience would suggest he knows how to pick up systems. Perhaps that's why Carlos Boozer matter-of-factly stated "he'll play" when asked."

Bulls will decide Monday if Rip Hamilton will play vs. Pacers

December 19

Chicago Sun-Times

"Rip Hamilton practiced with his new teammates for the third time Sunday, but whether he'll make his Bulls debut in the exhibition finale Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers is unknown. Coach Tom Thibodeau said he'd likely make his decision Monday. "Each day, he gets more and more comfortable," Thibodeau said. "He approaches it well. He comes in to work. He gets here early. He's studying hard. He's doing fine so far. Probably [Monday], we'll get another practice under his belt. He looked pretty comfortable today in the scrimmage. That will be the next step for him.""

Hamilton continues to pick up Bulls' system

December 19

Chicago Tribune

"Neither coach Tom Thibodeau nor Richard Hamilton expressed an ounce of concern over the veteran's ability to pick up the Bulls' system on the fly following a three-hour practice Sunday at the Berto Center. They also didn't say whether the team's only major acquisition was ready to suit up for the second and final exhibition game against the Pacers on Tuesday night at the United Center. "It is going pretty good," Hamilton said. "The guys are really helping me out on the sets and things like that. A lot of the sets are pretty much the same but different terminology. Every day I get a little bit better.""

Hamilton knows what's expected

December 18

Chicago Tribune

"On Sept. 11, 2002, in the waning days before the Pistons were set to open training camp after a 50-win season, Joe Dumars and his staff made a bold move. The Pistons' president traded Jerry Stackhouse, the team's leading scorer and most popular player, to the Wizards for Richard Hamilton as the centerpieces of a six-player trade. Six straight Eastern Conference finals appearances and one NBA championship later, one might say Pistons' fans overcame their shock. "We started winning and didn't stop," John Hammond said. Hammond, now the decorated general manager of the Bucks, served as Dumars' right-hand man at the time of the trade. As well as anyone, Hammond knows what the Bulls are getting"

Hamilton to play Tuesday

December 17

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"The masked man's debut will wait until Tuesday. As expected, the Bulls held Richard Hamilton out of Friday's exhibition opener. "Each day he'll do a little more," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "But one day and a shootaround, I didn't feel comfortable with it." Hamilton practiced with the Bulls on Thursday for the first time after signing a two-year, $10 million deal with a team option for a third season. He participated in Friday's morning shootaround at Conseco Fieldhouse. "It's still a lot of information I'm trying to learn in a short period of time," Hamilton said. "I'm just getting in tune with guys on the team and learning offensive and defensive schemes. I just want to be fully prepared"

Rip Hamilton brings playoff know-how

December 16

Chicago Sun-Times

"Rip Hamilton should keep teams from collapsing on Derrick Rose the way the Miami Heat did in the Eastern Conference finals. He's constantly moving without the ball and willing to hit the open man, which creates more problems for opposing defenses. He also understands the role defense plays in winning NBA championships. Equally important is the playoff experience he brings to Chicago. Hamilton played in six consecutive Eastern Conference finals and has twice done what the Bulls haven't since Michael Jordan left — reach the NBA Finals. His 120 playoff games are twice as many as the Bulls' second-most seasoned playoff performer — Carlos Boozer."

Hamilton talking the talk

December 16

Chicago Tribune

"Richard Hamilton joked that his first Bulls practice Thursday felt like a college class, filled with so much information it left the veteran shooting guard "very confused." Fear not, Bulls fans. Hamilton knows a little something about cramming for an NBA Finals. The 12-year veteran made six straight trips to the Eastern Conference finals and owns a 2004 NBA championship ring from back-to-back NBA Finals appearances with the Pistons. And while Hamilton admitted it felt "very awkward" to pull on a Bulls jersey given the Pistons-Bulls history, he also talked the tough talk that should make him embraced when it's time to battle the likes of Ray Allen and Dwyane Wade."

Thibodeau: Hamilton's mask isn't an issue

December 16

Chicago Tribune

"If the Bulls want the perfect excuse to alter their longstanding ban against wearing headbands for Richard Hamilton, they have precedence in Tyrus Thomas. The mercurial forward received permission to wear a headband in November 2006 to secure a mask that protected Thomas' broken nose. "To be honest, that hasn't even come up yet," general manager Gar Forman said. "Rip just got here. We might (allow it) if (the mask is) required.""

For new guy Rip Hamilton, Bulls' Luol Deng will be friendly face

December 15

Chicago Sun-Times

"When Rip Hamilton joins the Bulls on Thursday, it won't be a totally unfamiliar situation. Hamilton knew forward Luol Deng even before he entered the NBA, having played with Deng's brother, Ajou, on the 1999 Connecticut team that won the national championship. Deng was in high school when he first met Hamilton. ''Rip is a terrific player,'' Deng said. ''He's going to help us out a lot. Has a lot of experience, and he's a great teammate. I've known Rip for a long time, and I'm really excited he's going to be with us.""

Hamilton officially in the fold

December 15

Chicago Tribune

"For a guy who is as loyal to teammates as they come and as recently as last week said he would "roll with Keith" Bogans, Derrick Rose summed up Richard Hamilton's signing nicely. "I know my assists will go up," Rose said with a laugh. Hamilton, who cleared waivers at 1 p.m., came to the Berto Center late Wednesday night to tour the building and sign his contract. He will be unveiled at Thursday's practice. As reported since Sunday, the deal is guaranteed for two years and $10 million. According to sources, the Bulls hold a team option of $5.15 million for a third season. If the option is not exercised, Hamilton receives an unknown buyout."

Hamilton must adjust to Bulls

December 15

Chicago Tribune

columnist David Haugh

"Not until practice Thursday at the Berto Center will newly signed shooting guard Richard Hamilton step onto the floor as the missing piece of the 2011-12 Bulls. Hamilton's reputation preceded him by days. It told us Hamilton played no small role in the dysfunction that ultimately led to the demise of two fired Pistons coaches, Michael Curry and John Kuester. He clashed with Curry, who Hamilton once called a liar. He skipped a shootaround after Kuester benched him, drawing a fine. "He quit on us,'' one Pistons source told the Detroit News last December."

Richard Hamilton joins Bulls for three years, $15M

December 15

Chicago Sun-Times

"Ash Park is the throbbing heart of working-class Coatesville, Pa., a steel town of 13,000 located 40 miles west of Philadelphia. In the heart of Ash Park, between the swimming pool and a tennis court and down two flights of stairs, are two basketball courts laid out back-to-back. Those were the courts Richard "Rip" Hamilton graduated to when he grew tired of the court near his father's house a few blocks away. That's where he began developing the game that made the Bulls opt to sign the former NCAA and NBA champion, hoping he can be the player who propels them past the Miami Heat and into the NBA Finals. ''The summer leagues are there," said Rick Hicks, Hamilton's longtime friend. ''The"

Bulls eagerly await Hamilton

December 14

Chicago Tribune

"Speaking for the first time about Richard Hamilton, the player, Tom Thibodeau pointed to experience. "He has been a talented player in the league for a long time," Thibodeau said Tuesday at Berto Center. "When we played against him, he was hard to guard." Speaking about Hamilton, friend and future teammate, Carlos Boozer stressed excitement. "He always has been a great competitor and winner," Boozer said. "If he did come, that would be a great addition. I've admired his game for a long time.""

Richard Hamilton's value to Pistons far exceeded ugly moments of last seasons

December 13

Detroit News

columnist Vincent Goodwill

"Richard Hamilton has given fans a variety of memories during his nine seasons in Detroit. Awe. Anger. Joy. Occasionally, incredulousness. Monday, the team completed his buyout, giving it $8 million in salary cap savings, according to a source. Now, fans will have their pick of what is most vivid from Hamilton's resume. Most of all, he should be remembered for everything he helped bring to the franchise, despite clearly becoming a headache in recent years for president Joe Dumars and whichever coach was on the sidelines. "We thank Richard Hamilton for his time here with the Pistons organization," Dumars said in a statement released by team officials. "Rip was a champion with us and a big"

Pistons officially waive Richard Hamilton

December 12

Detroit Free Press

"It's official -- Rip Hamilton is no longer a Detroit Piston and will join the Chicago Bulls shortly. Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars announced today that the team waived Hamilton as part of a buyout of the last two years of his contract. "We thank Richard Hamilton for his time here with the Pistons organization," Dumars said in a released statement. "Rip was a champion with us and a big part of our success over the last nine years. We wish him all the best in the future." That future lies with the Bulls, who are expected to sign him to a two-year, $10-million deal."

Richard Hamilton will join Bulls; Pistons moving on

December 11

Detroit News

"Ben Wallace predicted former teammate Richard Hamilton would quickly find a landing spot after being bought out by the Pistons. And Hamilton won't have to go far down Interstate 94 to find it, as he will sign with the Chicago Bulls. The Chicago Tribune reported he will sign a two-year deal worth $10 million. Pistons president Joe Dumars wouldn't confirm the amount of Hamilton's buyout, but it is expected to be in the neighborhood of $8 million of the near $20 he would've been paid if he remained a Piston — or if the team used the amnesty clause. "It's just a verbal agreement right now, so nothing's official," Dumars said. "Once it's official, I can get into detail about why buyout instead"

Rip Hamilton nearing deal with Bulls

December 11

Chicago Sun-Times

"Derrick Rose said he won't try to persuade Rip Hamilton or any other free agents to join the Bulls. In Hamilton's case, he wouldn't have had to anyway. A deal between the Bulls and Hamilton, one of the prominent players on the Detroit Pistons' 2004 NBA champs, appears imminent, according to multiple reports. Hamilton is expected to sign a two-year contract for about $10 million once his contract officially has been bought out by the Pistons. "That's never been my style," Rose said when asked if he would recruit free agents. "The city and the Chicago Bulls speak for itself. It's a great market, the team is great, we've got the best fans in the world. Every arena we go to we've at least got"

Report: Pistons' Rip Hamilton waived, could land spot on Chicago Bulls roster

December 10

Detroit Free Press

"It looks like Rip Hamilton will find a landing spot soon. The Chicago Tribune is reporting the Bulls are going to make a move to sign Hamilton before the season begins later this month, according to unnamed sources. Hamilton will be waived as part of a buyout that will rid the Pistons of the one of the heroes of the 2004 NBA championship - but had grown into a giant headache to the organization. The Pistons retain the use of the new collective bargain agreement's amnesty clause which allows teams to waive a player, but still be responsible for his salary – it just wouldn't count against the salary cap. "It's just a verbal agreement right now, so nothing is official right now," Pistons"

Bulls near deal for Hamilton

December 10

Chicago Tribune

"Though hurdles remain, the Bulls are zeroing in on signing veteran guard Richard Hamilton, according to league sources. The Pistons are finalizing a buyout of Hamilton, who has averaged 17.7 points per game over his 12-year career and helped the Pistons win the 2004 NBA championship as part of six straight conference finals appearances. Terms of the buyout of Hamilton's $12.6 million contract were not disclosed, but a league source said the Bulls likely will offer a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $10 million to recoup most of what Hamilton gives back. Hamilton's midlevel exception over the next two seasons would limit the Bulls' exposure to luxury-tax levels, particularly when"

Pistons buy out Richard Hamilton

December 10

Detroit News

"The Richard Hamilton era is over in Motown. Hamilton, the leading playoff scorer in Pistons history, reached a buyout agreement with the team, according to a source. Hamilton was owed a pro-rated $12.6 million this season and 75 percent of the same amount for 2012-13. The Pistons did not have to use the amnesty clause because the buyout was far less than the $20 million he was owed, benefiting both parties. Hamilton is free to pick his own team as opposed to being bid on by teams under the cap, while the Pistons still have the option to use the clause if they so choose. "It's just a verbal agreement right now, so nothing's official," Pistons president Joe Dumars said. "Once it's official,"

Pistons' Hamilton is prime candidate to be cut under amnesty clause

November 13

Detroit News

"While the NBA lockout doesn't appear to be headed to a conclusion anytime soon, one of the few issues that have been resolved is the amnesty clause. The clause, first introduced in the 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement, allows a team to rid itself of one contract without any salary cap hit. The player will become a free agent, but the team is still responsible for paying off his contract. The Pistons certainly aren't in any salary-cap trouble. In 2009-10, they were 27th in payroll; last season, they were 21st. As of now, with Tayshaun Prince coming off the books ($11.1 million), along with Rodney Stuckey and Jonas Jerebko being restricted free agents, the Pistons have a little more than"

Pistons' Hamilton is prime candidate to be cut under amnesty clause

November 3

Detroit News

"While the NBA lockout doesn't appear to be headed to a conclusion anytime soon, one of the few issues that have been resolved is the amnesty clause. The clause, first introduced in the 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement, allows a team to rid itself of one contract without any salary cap hit. The player will become a free agent, but the team is still responsible for paying off his contract. The Pistons certainly aren't in any salary-cap trouble. In 2009-10, they were 27th in payroll; last season, they were 21st."

Hamilton denies report on agent

October 7

Detroit Free Press

"There was an interesting development Wednesday as the clock ticked on the deadline for the NBA and the union to reach a collective bargaining agreement that would allow the season to start on time. ESPN's Chris Broussard, citing two sources, reported Pistons shooting guard Rip Hamilton threatened to leave agent Leon Rose because of his participation with a group of agents who are pushing the union to decertify as a weapon in the labor battle."

Pistons' Rip Hamilton recruited for next exhibition game

September 3

Detroit Free Press

"Might Rip Hamilton be the next Piston to play in a high-profile exhibition basketball game? Hamilton is one of the Philadelphia-raised NBA standouts that Phoenix Suns forward and Philly native Hakim Warrick is trying to recruit to play in a game this month in Philadelphia, according to ESPN.com. Pistons forward Austin Daye played in an exhibition this week in Baltimore -- Carmelo Anthony's hometown -- that included Anthony, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Chris Paul."