Bulls officially waive Richard Hamilton

Richard Hamilton (right) spent two seasons in Chicago. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images) The Bulls announced Wednesday the release of guard Richard "Rip"

Richard Hamilton (right) spent two seasons in Chicago. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images)

The Bulls announced Wednesday the release of guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton.

Hamilton, 35, averaged 9.8 points and 2.4 assists in 50 appearances for the Bulls last season, seeing action in just four of Chicago's 12 playoff games. His contract for the 2013-14 season would have paid him $5 million, but it was only partially guaranteed for $1 million if he was waived by Wednesday. His release was widely anticipated.

The veteran guard initially joined the Bulls on a three-year deal worth $15 million signed in Dec. 2011. Hamilton battled injuries throughout his two seasons in Chicago, playing in just 78 of a possible 148 regular season games. The No. 7 pick in the 1999 NBA draft and a three-time All-Star, Hamilton spent time with the Wizards and Pistons before joining the Bulls. He was a member of the 2004 title-winning Pistons team.

The Chicago Tribune reported back in May that Hamilton wants to play at least another two seasons.

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