CHICAGO -- The NBA's moratorium on free agent signings was officially lifted today, and when former Milwaukee Bucks small forward Mike Dunleavy officially signed a two-year $6 million deal to join the Chicago Bulls, it meant the end of the brief yet meaningful stint of Marco Belinelli here in the Windy City.
Belinelli's new home is the Spurs in San Antonio, where he is expected to ink a two-year deal worth $5.6 million.
In his lone season with the Bulls, the 27-year old from Italy, whom his former peers fondly called "Marco Jordan", averaged a modest nine points per game in the regular season and 11.1 in the playoffs.
But under the demanding ways of head coach Tom Thibodeau, Belinelli deservedly earned the reputation as a fearless defender and clutch performer who never shrunk under the big moments.
At 6-foot-5, 195 lbs. Belinelli provides the perimeter threat that the Spurs will lose with the expected departure of Gary Neal to free agency. After a spectacular postseason, Neal's services are coveted by other teams that can offer him a more lucrative contract, a deal that the cash-strapped Spurs cannot match.
Belinelli has also received pricier offers from other teams, most notably the Cleveland Cavaliers, but sources said the bearded sharp shooter is excited at the thought of landing in San Antonio, which has a wealth of international players in its roster. (JAM)
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