Bulls exercise option on Hinrich

"He is a great leader for our team both on and off the floor and I am very excited to watch him continue to develop," said Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson.

Hinrich, 24, will be entering his third season with the Bulls. He was selected with the Bulls’ first pick and seventh overall in the 2003 NBA draft.

In 153 games, which includes 143 starts, Hinrich has averaged 13.9 points, 6.6 assists, and 36 minutes per game. He has been among the leaders in assists per game the past two seasons and was named to the all-rookie first team for the 2003-04 season.