clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

NBA Rumors 2012: Bulls Won't Pick Up C.J. Watson's Option, Looking To Make Trade

The Chicago Bulls are trying to trade point guard C.J. Watson now that they've decided not to exercise his option for next season, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld. If they don't trade him, they'll be forced to waive him on July 10, potentially paving his path to unrestricted free agency.

Presumably, the Bulls would prefer to finalize a trade and get something in return for the 28-year-old, but they may be forced to simply place him on waivers next Tuesday. If nobody chooses to claim his contract, which includes $3.2 million for next season, he'll have the freedom to choose where he plays next year.

The Bulls could have simply brought back Watson for next season, but they agreed to a two-year deal with guard Kirk Hinrich this weekend instead. It appears that he'll take Watson's role as back-up point guard once Derrick Rose is healthy.

For more, stick with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Bulls, head over to Blog a Bull. For additional news, notes and analysis from around the NBA, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube