The Bulls are expected to buy out the final year of Richard Hamilton's contract for $1 million, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Chicago's other option is a $5 million salary in 2013-14 for a 35-year old who earned DNP-CDs in all but four of the Bulls' playoff games. It's not a surprise which way the Bulls are leaning. Mark this one in the category of the best scenario for both sides. Hamilton will try to find a job as a veteran shooter off the bench while the Bulls will look for some more consistency from perimeter, possibly in the form of free agent Kyle Korver.

Richard Hamilton reiterated that his health is fine, and the decision to drop him out of the rotation was Tom Thibodeau's.

"A lot of stuff in life you don't understand. This is what I was brought here for. To not play and not help my teammates is rough," he said. "I try to stay positive and not rock the boat." Hamilton had 11 points and four assists in 22 minutes in the Game 4 blowout loss.

Richard Hamilton, who played only seven minutes in Game 1 and did not play in Game 2, is still working his way back from his back injury.

"He missed a chunk of the season down the stretch," Thibodeau said. "And then we tried to get him some games at the end just so he can get his rhythm back. A big part of it is his game is that. It's the timing and rhythm or catch and shoot. We just have to be patient and as time goes on we get healthier." Hamilton is unlikely to be a major factor during the postseason and Jimmy Butler is locked in as the starting shooting guard.