Hardaway on Bulls? He's open to offers.(Chicago Tribune)

CHICAGO _ Henry Thomas offers a pertinent statistic for anyone who believes Tim Hardaway is washed up at the age of 34.

"He played in 77 games last season, and he played more minutes in those games than (Utah's) John Stockton did playing in all 82," said Thomas, Hardaway's Chicago-based agent. "He's pretty durable."

Hardaway officially became a free agent Sunday, the first day teams were allowed to begin negotiations with such players. Players cannot sign contracts until July 18, but the Bulls, one of five teams with ample salary-cap room at an estimated $15 million, will be active in the market for the second straight summer.

Given that the team's future was placed squarely in the hands of 18-year-olds Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry on draft day, it's no secret that general manager Jerry Krause has to give coach Tim Floyd some veteran experience to aid the young players.

Hardaway, a Chicago native who attended Carver High, is an intriguing possibility, although the point guard has battled foot and knee problems in the last two seasons.

"His foot is fine now," Thomas said of the injury that hobbled Hardaway as Miami was swept in the first round of the playoffs. "He feels fine physically and still feels he has another two to three years left where he can contribute to the success of a team and keep the ability to hit big shots."

If Hardaway is to return to Miami, he will face a pay cut from the $12 million he earned last season.