Bulls G Gordon agrees to qualifying offer

Oct 2, 2008 - 4:54 AM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon agreed to a one-year qualifying offer he was tendered just before Wednesday's deadline.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Chicago Tribune is reporting it is worth $6.4 million.

A restricted free agent, Gordon reportedly rejected a five-year, $50 million contract extension following the 2007 season.

The fifth-year guard will now be an unrestricted free agent following the 2008-09 season.

"Ben is excited to be with the Bulls again this season and is looking forward to being the best teammate he can be," Gordon's agent, Raymond Brothers, agent told the paper. "And he will keep the window open to negotiate with the Bulls next summer."

The Bulls' leading scorer in each of the past three seasons, Gordon reportedly skipped practice on Wednesday, but is expected to attend Thursday's session.

The third overall pick of the 2004 draft out of Connecticut, Gordon averaged 18.6 points and 3.0 assists in 72 games last season. He has career averages of 18 points and 2.9 assists in 316 games with the Bulls.