Chicago Sun-Times - John Paxson believes it is in the best interest of Kirk Hinrich to wait until next season to sign an extension when he's eligible for a six-year deal, instead of a five-year one.
"Jeff Austin and I have both kind of agreed not to publicly make any statement,'' Paxson said Thursday. ''But the reality of the situation is that on an extension, Kirk is eligible to get five years [now]. Next year he'll be eligible to get six. If I'm Kirk's agent -- he's not one of these 21- or 22-year-old guys, he's going to be 26 this year -- I think it's probably wise of them to look toward next summer when they can get a six-year deal from us.
''It's always tough -- there's a business side to this [job] and kind of an emotional side to it. Everybody knows we love Kirk. I expect him to be in a Bulls uniform for a long time, if not his whole career. But if I'm his agent and I'm looking at five years vs. six, it's a big thing.
''That ultimately will work itself out whether it's in the next month or next summer, because No. 1, we want him here and we think he fits us perfectly. And I think Kirk wants to be here.''
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09-29-2006, 07:05 PM
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