Richard Hamilton Going To Piston

Richard Hamilton Going To Piston
Richard Hamilton, the best playoff scorer in Aide historical past, attained a purchase contract with the group, according to a supply. Hamilton was due a pro-rated $12.6 thousand this period and 75 % of the same quantity for 2012-13.

The Pistons did not have to use the amnesty condition because the purchase was far less than the $20 thousand he was due, reaping benefits for both events. Hamilton is totally able to select his own group in contrast to being bid on by groups under the cap, while the Aide still have the choice to use the condition if they so select.

"It's just a mental contract right now, so nothing's formal," Aide leader Joe Dumars said. "Once it's formal, I can get into aspect about why purchase instead of amnesty."

The Pistons will have the cap hit, which is the only detraction from not using the clause. Hamilton spent nine years in Detroit, being one of the most efficient, effective shooting guards in the league. His best season was in 2006, when he averaged 20.1 points, 3.4 assists and 3.2 rebounds.

He often went head up with Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and the league's best at his position, helping the Pistons win the 2004 NBA title and being an integral part of their run of six straight conference finals appearances. He often raised his game in the playoffs, averaging 20.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

Ben Wallace, a close friend and teammate, had mixed emotions about Hamilton's departure.

"I am (surprised), a little bit," Wallace said. "They feel like letting Rip go could free some money up to do some more things.

"I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet. I was hoping I'd get a chance to talk to him today."

Wallace was witness to the last two seasons, which have been marred by injuries, drama and ineffectiveness. His 14.1 points last season was the lowest since his first season in Detroit (2002), and he shot 43 percent from the field.

Hamilton was a source of controversy for the organization, namely former coach John Kuester. The two went through bouts of not speaking to each other, and the Pistons had a deal in place at the trade deadline last season to send Hamilton to Cleveland. He would've been bought out and subsequently would've signed a deal with Chicago.

"As players we don't look at the business side," Wallace said. "Things don't always work out the way we want."

Hamilton declined the deal then, but he appears destined to join MVP Derrick Rose in the Bulls backcourt. The Celtics have interest, but the lure of a starting job — along with the Bulls' probable willingness to make good on Hamilton's losses — should be enough to give them the edge.

Ironically, the Bulls come to town on Jan. 4, and Hamilton likely will be greeted with an ovation of appreciation from the hometown crowd.

On the court, though, it clears up room for Ben Gordon, who signed a free-agent deal from Chicago in 2009 but has struggled in the two years since.

Gordon averaged a career-low 11.2 points last season and the drafting of Brandon Knight made the backcourt more crowded, while also making the urgency to move Hamilton far more pressing. The Pistons did not want a repeat of last season's drama, by any stretch.

With new coach Lawrence Frank's mantra of getting Pistons basketball back to its roots, the organization saw fit to turn the page before heading to the future.