The Chicago Bulls will not pick up the $4.37 million option on Ronnie Brewer for the 2012-13 season, Brewer confirmed with "The Carmen, Jurko & Harry Show" on ESPN 1000 on Tuesday.
Brewer started in 43 games for the Bulls last season as Richard Hamilton battled injuries. He averaged 6.9 points, 2.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game.
Brewer, who now becomes an unrestricted free agent, indicated that the new deal could be negotiated at some point, but is uncertain if the Bulls will bring him back with 2011 draft pick Jimmy Butler in line for more playing time.
"I liked the situation I was in with the Bulls. I feel like we have a great team. The chemistry was bar none compared to the other teams I've been on," Brewer told "The Waddle & Silvy Show". "We've had a lot of success, we've won a lot of games in the regular season and had some kind of success in the playoffs."
The Chicago Tribune also reports that the Bulls are expected to let go the contracts of C.J. Watson and Kyle Korver to free agency, Korver being the only player with a slight chance to return.
Watson played the most important role of the three, as he resumed starting point guard responsibilities after Derrick Rose suffered from injury for most of the season. The 28-year old started in 25 games and averaged 9.7 points and 4.1 assists per game throughout the year.
With the signing of Kirk Hinrich, the Bulls have already begun the process of looking for players to replace the three.
The Bulls have begun the grooming process of new backup point guard Marquis Teague. Both Teague and Lucas possess similar skill sets, attacking to the rim and pushing the tempo. The Bulls feel that Teague will be able to adjust and fit perfectly into Watson's former role.
So far this off season the Bulls front office have done a good job finding younger replacements that they can afford. They may not be making big headlines, in terms of upgrading their roster, but neither are they making headlines for bad downgrades.
