CHICAGO – After revitalizing his career and competing for a deep playoff run, D.J. Augustin hugged most Bulls staff members on his walk out of the United Center on Tuesday night. The Toronto Raptors had deposed of him in December, but Augustin served as the Bulls’ season savior and averaged 14.9 points and five assists in 61 games for the organization.

Augustin will become an unrestricted free agent in July, almost assuredly worthy of commanding a multi-year deal.

The Bulls maintain strong interest in re-signing Augustin, and the 6-foot guard made clear that he’ll place substantial value in his ability to fit in Tom Thibodeau’s system and the Chicago locker room.

“I’m hoping everything works out and I’m back here,” Augustin told RealGM. “I’m excited. No matter what happened recently, we still have a lot to build on. People didn’t expect us to be where we were, so going into next season is exciting.

“It was big coming here and finding a home on a team full of great players. It’s like a family, and just having a chance to play and get an opportunity was big for me.”