According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago-Sun Times, Richard Hamilton is considered to be an important part of the Bulls' plans and won't initiate including him in trade talks. The former UConn product can credit his relationship with coach Tom Thibodeau's firm belief that the 6'7 veteran shooting guard will provide the requisite leadership needed during the second half of the season and in the playoffs.
Aside from a foot injury that has sidelined him for 12 of the team's 32 games played so far, the 34-year-old has put up 12.4 PPG while shooting 39.1% from three-point range and 89.4% from the line, both significant increases from his first season with the Bulls in 2011-12. Cowley adds that the team has played very well as of late, going 5-1 over the last six games since Hamilton's return to the lineup.
GM Gar Forman put the kibosh on the idea that Chicago had been looking to shed Hamilton's $5MM contract in order to avoid going over the league's hard cap, even suggesting that the team could look to add another player for cheap if needed.