B.J. on his way back to Bulls

Baby-faced B.J. Armstrong will return to the cradle of his NBAcareer today when he signs a one-year, $1 million contract with theBulls.

"We've reached a verbal agreement, and I'm extremely happy aboutthe deal I've struck and the people I've struck it with," Armstrongsaid from Los Angeles on Thursday. "Now I'm coming in to sign it. Ican't remember feeling this happy since the Bulls drafted and signedme to my first NBA contract 10 years ago."

Armstrong, the 18th overall selection in the 1989 draft out ofIowa, helped the Bulls win their first three championships and wasvoted by fans to be a starter in the 1994 All-Star Game. The 6-2guard averaged a career-high 14.8 points and 3.9 assists that season.

Armstrong's first tour with the Bulls ended after the 1994-95season, when he was left unprotected in the expansion draft. He wasthe first player chosen by the Toronto Raptors, who traded him to theGolden State Warriors for five players.

He played 2 1/2 seasons for the Warriors, who sent him to theCharlotte Hornets midway through the 1997-98 season. During theabbreviated 1999 season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers,released and picked up by the Orlando Magic. In 32 games, heaveraged 3.3 points and 1.9 assists.

"Now here I am, coming back home," said Armstrong, who will turn32 on Sept. 9. "I started my career here. I married my wife,Jennifer, here. This is where she was born, and her family stilllives here. Plus, we've kept our home here on the North Side eversince because we always planned to settle down in Chicago after myNBA career.

"I don't know how many more years I plan to play NBA ball. I'mtaking it one year at a time now. But I'm happy to be a part ofanother rebuilding program."

Armstrong also is thrilled to be rejoining the Bulls.

"My appreciation for Chicago and for how (chairman) JerryReinsdorf and (general manager) Jerry Krause conduct business is evengreater now that I've had a chance to compare them with the otherorganizations I've played for," Armstrong said. "This is a first-class organization that does things the right way, and I firmlybelieve they will rebuild another championship team.

"I'm just happy to be a part of the process. All the players theyare adding to this team are people with positive attitudes as well aspeople with talent. (Michael) Jordan had probably more character thanhe had talent. That's what really wins championships for you:character."

Veteran center Will Perdue re-signed with the Bulls on Wednesdayafter a four-year absence. He was one of Armstrong's teammatesduring the Bulls' first three-peat.

Free-agent forward Dickey Simpkins also hopes to remain a part ofthe program for a sixth consecutive season after helping the Bullswin their last three championships.

"I haven't received any definite offer from the Bulls yet," saidSimpkins, who played every game last season and averaged 9.2 pointsand 6.8 rebounds. "But I think a deal can get done whenever we canget together and they make an offer.

"I'd like to stay here, and I believe I had a good season playingfor coach Tim Floyd. We had a great player-coach relationship. Hegave me an opportunity to play and gain confidence in my skills, andI understand what he wants on the court. It would be nice if wecould get a deal done (this weekend)."

Otherwise, Simpkins will explore the interest being expressed bythe Lakers, Washington Wizards, Vancouver Grizzlies and DallasMavericks.