Ben Gordon accepts 1-year, $6.4M offer from Bulls

[October 02, 2008]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago guard Ben Gordon accepted the Bulls' one-year, $6.4 million tender offer just before the deadline Wednesday night. A restricted free agent, Gordon was looking for a long-term deal that never materialized. He led the Bulls in scoring last season with an 18.6 average.

"He's very happy to be able to go back and play basketball," agent Raymond Brothers said. "He looks forward to talking to the Bulls next summer about an extension."

Chicago's leading scorer the past three years, Gordon can not be traded this season but could leave as an unrestricted free agent next summer. He had few options this time.

He was unable to work out a sign-and-trade deal and rejected the idea of playing overseas since the Bulls would have retained his rights. The only other option would have been a multiyear deal.

The fifth-year guard was present but did not participate in a morning practice at the Bulls' suburban training facility, a team spokesman confirmed. He was a no-show for a late afternoon session, but he will be there on Thursday.

"Absolutely," Brothers said.

[Associated Press; By ANDREW SELIGMAN]

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