Spurs in Serious Talks with Belinelli (Edit: signed to 2 year/$6M)

[benefactor]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 22s
San Antonio is engaged in serious talks with free agent Marco Belinelli, league sources tell Y! Sports.

[deibero]

https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/2062589385/butlergym_normal.jpgAdrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)1m (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/352870309759688708)
San Antonio is engaged in serious talks with free agent Marco Belinelli, league sources tell Y! Sports.

[Holden_Caulfield]

bye neal

[ElNono]

Do it Mitc... I mean RC!

[timtonymanu]

That would be a pretty good pickup. I like Bello.

[Baam]

Rich man Gino at this point.

[benefactor]

Grande Beli!

[SpursFan86]

Just what we need...another back-up guard.

[Mel_13]

The end of the Gary Neal Era in San Antonio. :depressed

[AFBlue]

Nice. Anyone know if his D improved under Thibs, because I remember him being awful at that end? Good scorer, great shooter.

[chrhawk]

I wonder if this is because they think Neal will be out of their price range. Marco is an underrated ball-handler.

[HI-FI]

i'm all for it. That Dude.

[benefactor]

Belinelli is a gamer. I'm all for him playing the Neal role.

[dbestpro]

At least he learned to play defense in Chicago. Neal just can't seem to understand the concept.

[Baam]

I'm just glad that BRPelicans is gonna be here more often to talk about Beli.

[T Park]

Bellinelli >>>>>>>> Neal

[timtonymanu]

Since Smith and Evans were obviously out of range, Bello isn't a bad pickup.

Do it, RC.

Means Gary Neal is likely gone.

[T Park]

Belinelli is a gamer. I'm all for him playing the Neal role.

Decent defensively, better than Neal, in this offense would be a better shooter.

Only thing that could make this bad is how much the cost is ....

[bigdog]

Big upgrade over neal. Hope they can agree to a deal.

[raybies]

according to our most recent interests It's safe to assume that we have no shot at ak or monta.

[benefactor]

Go get him RC! I'm getting a jersey for sure.

[Mikeanaro]

Engaged and in serious talks? I hope they use protection

[monkeypunk]

I like this for the rest of the cap space and save the mle for ak or whoever...

Belli is a player for sure!

[deibero]

I like this for the rest of the cap space and save the mle for ak or whoever...

Belli is a player for sure!

if u use the cap space on bellineli then u only have the floor mle left, wich is 2 yrs / 5 mill for an extra player...

cant use both cap space and full mle

[Mel_13]

I like this for the rest of the cap space and save the mle for ak or whoever...

Belli is a player for sure!

Cap space or the MLE, not both.

If they sign him it will be with a portion of the MLE.

[deibero]

hes probably worth mike dunleavy money, 2 yrs/6mil

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

I don't think he's that good, but he's bigger and probably better than Neal was last season.

[Chomag]

A pretty big upgrade from Neal. I actually would like this signing. Do Spurs have enough to offer him to outbid teams though?

[benefactor]

http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Marco+Belinelli+Chicago+Bulls+v+Brooklyn+Nets+g6Nx hWgjn1Jx.jpg

THAT dude.

[jiggy_55]

Woj says if they sign him, they still plan on keeping Gary Neal.. Why?

@WojYahooNBA: If Spurs do reach agreement with Belinelli, the plan remains to still try and re-sign restricted free agent Gary Neal, sources tell Y!

[Bruno]

If Spurs got him, Neal won't be back.

They are likely trying to get him for a part of the MLE but another option would be the room exception with Spurs adding player like Kirilenko with their capspace. In that scenario, Neal would be renounced to create cap space which would fit with Spurs going after Belinelli.

[Mel_13]

A pretty big upgrade from Neal. I actually would like this signing. Do Spurs have enough to offer him to outbid teams though?

They have the full MLE and he's not worth anywhere near that much.

[ElNono]

352873148011659264

[benefactor]

352873650485075968

[Mel_13]

Beli and Gary makes no sense.

[lmbebo]

Its reported that the Spurs signed him to 3 year deal. Dunno how to link twitter

[Bruno]

WoW
I really don't get Belinelli AND Neal.

[Mel_13]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine 35s
RT rAmonashelburne: Spurs have reached a three-year deal with with Marco Belinelli

That was fast.

[timtonymanu]

Awesome!

[ChumpDumper]

Would be a good addition, but almost certainly signals the end of getting a bigger name.

[jiggy_55]

ramonashelburne
Spurs have reached a three-year deal with with Marco Belinelli

Edit: She just edited and said its a two-year deal.

[deibero]

https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/2062589385/butlergym_normal.jpgAdrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA)3m (https://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA/status/352873148011659264)
If Spurs do reach agreement with Belinelli, the plan remains to still try and re-sign restricted free agent Gary Neal, sources tell Y!

[DesignatedT]

If they keep Gary then they must be giving up on either Cory or Nando.

[slick'81]

There's jax replacement

[deibero]

info was wrong, its 2 yr deal

[SpursDynasty21]

Awesome!

[spursince#99]

Marco is a fucking hooper. He tough as shit on both ends of the floor. But why would we keep both?

[Bruno]

3 years deal can't be with the room exception so it's a part of the MLE so it's the end of Spurs being able to go after quality free agents.

[monkeypunk]

Cap space or the MLE, not both.

If they sign him it will be with a portion of the MLE.

I thought they were reportedly planning on using the remaining cap space on neal to get over the cap which would give them the full mle to use on someone else. Is that only in play if they are resigning an existing player?

[Mel_13]

If they keep Gary then they must be giving up on either Cory or Nando.

or both.

In that scenario, picking up Joseph's 4th year option would be unlikely.

[NASpurs]

Holy shit, 20 minutes ago, the news was that they were talking to him. :lol

[TheGreatYacht]

:lmaoAll of you went from wanting AK47 to now wanting Belinelli all thanks to Manu. I'll take him though. Not like there any other better options at this point. Splitter and Manu put the FO in a corner so...yeah.

[jyra]

2 years!!! room exception still possible.

[benefactor]

Two year deal and not three. Room exception?

[Bruno]

2 years could be the room exception which would be nice.

[deibero]

3 years deal can't be with the room exception so it's a part of the MLE so it's the end of Spurs being able to go after quality free agents.

2 yrs

[Spurs Brazil]

Manu will be the backup SF and Belinelli the backup SG.

[kobyz]

I don't like this, Marco getting very overrated, I prefer much much much more Neal than bellinelli taking to consider also money wise, apparently this finals heartbrake experience fuckd up front office also and more than we could have thought of, it's a mess!

[timtonymanu]

Belli and Neal? Where does Neal fit? And there's also Nando.

[lmbebo]

its a 2 year deal.

[Mal]

good signing

[timtonymanu]

I don't like this, Marco getting very overrated, I prefer much much much more Neal than bellinelli taking to consider also money wise, apparently this finals heartbrake experience fuckd up front office also and more than we could have thought of, it's a mess!

Of course you hate it.

[Mel_13]

I thought they were reportedly planning on using the remaining cap space on neal to get over the cap which would give them the full mle to use on someone else. Is that only in play if they are resigning an existing player?

That has been said many times, but it's been wrong every time. They didn't need to go over the cap to use the MLE. It's a common misunderstanding.

[jiggy_55]

3 years deal can't be with the room exception so it's a part of the MLE so it's the end of Spurs being able to go after quality free agents.

She has fixed her statement and is now saying two-year deal!

[DesignatedT]

Room exception would be exceptional.

[baseline bum]

Nice to get a guy who shoots 39% career from the 3 point line. Hope timvp can come in soon and give some analysis on the signing and whether he can play some backup point.

[LakerHater]

352874870603919361

[NASpurs]

We have so many fucking guards.

[CitizenDwayne]

Holy shit!!! I like this. If Neal is leaving, Belli would be a GREAT replacement.

[benefactor]

:lol wanting Neal instead of Belli. Fucking kill yourself.

[spurraider21]

if this is indeed for the room exception, does that leave the MLE window open?

[timtonymanu]

:cry Spurs aren't making any changes.
:cry Fuck Belinelli. He sucks.

[robert1886]

:lmaoAll of you went from wanting AK47 to now wanting Belinelli all thanks to Manu. I'll take him though. Not like there any other better options at this point. Splitter and Manu put the FO in a corner so...yeah.

still with this crap

[Baam]

:lol wanting Neal instead of Belli. Fucking kill yourself.

They are both very similar and one has made a season saving shot for us...

[Mal]

6 mil/ 2 yrs. What does mean to salary situation ?

[Mel_13]

if this is indeed for the room exception, does that leave the MLE window open?

No. It would mean that they have a plan to use cap space (amnesty Bonner or some sort of salary dump).

[jiggy_55]

2-year 6 million deal according to Woj! How does this affect our MLE etc? Anymore money to spend?

[deibero]

spurs probably pacaking nando and bonner on a trade, which could net a 5m player... bonner is an expiring and can help a team and nando is an upside player...

they can go after an andre miller with this or even sign and trade with kirilenko

[coyotes_geek]

I don't get this move. Belinelli isn't any better than Neal TBQH. It makes no sense to burn your MLE on Belinelli when you can just keep Neal and use that MLE on someone else. It makes even less sense to burn your MLE on Belinelli and then keep Neal.

[ElNono]

352875470238388225

[monkeypunk]

That has been said many times, but it's been wrong every time. They didn't need to go over the cap to use the MLE. It's a common misunderstanding.

Gotcha, thanks Mel_13!

[Bruno]

Room exception is $5.4M/ 2 years.

[bigdog]

I hope to God it's for the room exception. Having the full MLE would be great.

[Chomag]

Wait... why would they still want neal with him added?

[HI-FI]

We have so many fucking guards.

:lol
true. it's starting to feel like Lynyrd Skynyrd where you have so many niggas on guitar at once. still, I think this was a very underrated signing for us.

[benefactor]

Room exception is $5.4M/ 2 years.
Hopefully that's what it is when the numbers come out.

[slick'81]

Yup no defense basically a bigger Gary neal but this dude can shoot the long ball

[jon123spurs]

Dude is a deadly shooter. Can't wait til next season. Huge upgrade over Neal!!

[timtonymanu]

We have so many fucking guards.

True. But sadly a lot of them are limited.

[coyotes_geek]

I hope to God it's for the room exception. Having the full MLE would be great.

You only get the room exception if you have cap room. You only get the MLE if you don't have cap room. You can't get both.

[deibero]

Room exception is $5.4M/ 2 years.

probably what they signed him for, notice woj says "around" 6m

[Mel_13]

If it's for the room exception, it will be very interesting to see what moves are made to create cap space.

[ChumpDumper]

Decent move if the Spurs are platooning to shore up Manu's role. I just have to assume they are content with Leonard's replacing him in the big 3.

Very good if it's not the MLE.

[shyne]

Good pickup dude is tough, and if he can play big minutes for thibs then pop probably loves him.

[monkeypunk]

Love what Belli brings, he can shoot, he's crafty and an underrated defender but as others have said, no reason for him and Neal.

Hope there is another move brewing.

[benefactor]

Spurs finally have another real 2 guard. Still need a backup SF but getting Belli is sweet. He's a better all around player than Neal and he's actually big enough to play the 2.

[DesignatedT]

He's a better defender than Neal. Not even close. I don't think people realize how bad Neal is defensively.

[Interrohater]

Woot! Awesome pickup. This dude will flourish in the Spurs system. Or at least I hope so.. (damn you hwwnbn, you've ruined me.)

[Captivus]

Wasnt expecting this...idk...

[Texas_Ranger]

nice pickup.

[bigdog]

You only get the room exception if you have cap room. You only get the MLE if you don't have cap room. You can't get both.

Ah, thanks. Sounds like they may be thinking about amnesty to add yet another player? That is, if they want to go the cap room route. Or trade.

[jyra]

Wow looking at his shooting percentages from last season right now :O

FG%: .395, 3p%: .357

That's pretty dreadful..

[benefactor]

If it's for the room exception, it will be very interesting to see what moves are made to create cap space.
This is where the Spurs keep enough cap space to bid on an amnestied player...and my evil plan to bring in MWP comes to fruition.

[moisaenz]

Neal and Nando are definitely on the market..

[Bruno]

And another foreigner...

[AFBlue]

Good shit. The Neal bit is just a warning shot to potential suitors...would think it results in a sign-and-trade.

[Mel_13]

This is where the Spurs keep enough cap space to bid on an amnestied player...and my evil plan to bring in MWP comes to fruition.

That would work.

[Darius McCrary]

Great, just what we needed. A slightly small shooting guard, who prob can't handle the ball well or defend, but will hit regular season threes.


Does this front office not realize the gaping hole at SF we potentially have?

[Chomag]

Now if spurs can land AK I would give the Spurs offseason a B from a C+

[moisaenz]

Wow looking at his shooting percentages from last season right now :O

FG%: .395, 3p%: .357

That's pretty dreadful..
but remember he played on an offense that can be pretty stagnant at times..

[Buddy Holly]

Wow looking at his shooting percentages from last season right now :O

FG%: .395, 3p%: .357

That's pretty dreadful..

Basically identical to Neal. Except Belineli is taller and can play defense. And the Bulls offense was shit last season.

[AFBlue]

What's the deal with the room exception?

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

Wow looking at his shooting percentages from last season right now :O

FG%: .395, 3p%: .357

That's pretty dreadful..
He was the only perimeter threat on the Bulls for a lot of last season. Robinson had his moments, but no one on that team could create for others very well.

[Buddy Holly]

Now if spurs can land AK I would give the Spurs offseason a B from a C+

If they land AK, that's a solid A.

[benefactor]

Wow looking at his shooting percentages from last season right now :O

FG%: .395, 3p%: .357

That's pretty dreadful..
He was asked to do too much in Chicago because of the injuries. I think he plays better now that he is in a role that better suits him.

[Shifty]

Wow looking at his shooting percentages from last season right now :O

FG%: .395, 3p%: .357

That's pretty dreadful..

You have to remember how awful the Bulls offense was. Both Belinelli and Robinson had to create everything for them and often had to force things up. With the Spurs Belinelli could see his % go way up having to create for better players or shooting off the ball instead of off the dribble.

[WildcardManu]

He will have more open looks in this system. Hopefully he takes advantage and shoots lights out.

[ChumpDumper]

Great, just what we needed. A slightly small shooting guard, who prob can't handle the ball well or defend, but will hit regular season threes.


Does this front office not realize the gaping hole at SF we potentially have?Doesn't really sound like you've seen this guy play.

[Texas_Ranger]

fun fact: he was a teammate of Manu in Virtus Bologna. :D

[Chomag]

He's a better defender than Neal. Not even close. I don't think people realize how bad Neal is defensively.

This.

[HarlemHeat37]

Belinelli as a Neal replacement is a very good move, he's a bigger and slightly more intelligent version of Neal, tbh..

If it isn't a Neal replacement, it's a shitty addition, tbh..his defence is atrocious(like Neal) and he's streaky, like Neal..

Disappointing if this is the only key addition of the off-season, but I love it if it means Neal is gone..

I'm still hoping for either a backup PG or a small ball PF..

[bigdog]

I wouldn't take his percentages seriously.You have to realize the system he will be playing in now. WIDE open shots will help him.

[ThePop]

Can we go back in time and use him in the finals?

[Bruno]

If Spurs plan to go after a free agent with their cap space, their first move to do is to renounce at Neal and amnestying Bonner. It's a lot of shooting lost so going after a shooter with the room exception makes a lot of sense.

If this deal is with a part of the MLE, it would be disappointing.

[slick'81]

He's not a good defensive player he's a floor space 3 point chucker pops gonna love him

[DesignatedT]

So if its the room exception the Spurs lose their use of the MLE? Technically how much cap space can they still open up? What if they keep Bonner (likely scenario).

[Mel_13]

What's the deal with the room exception?

New salary cap exception added in the last CBA for teams that stay within the salary cap. Teams under the cap don't get the MLE or the LLE, but they now get the room exception (2yrs/5.4M) to add a player above the cap.

[Interrohater]

Great, just what we needed. A slightly small shooting guard, who prob can't handle the ball well or defend, but will hit regular season threes.


Does this front office not realize the gaping hole at SF we potentially have?

Wait, what? Was this supposed to be in blue?

[coyotes_geek]

Career averages.

Player A: 21:23 min/game; 9.7 PPG; 43.3 fg%; 39.8 3pt%; 2.2 rpg; 1.7 apg; 0.4 spg

Player B: 22:23 min/game; 9.0 ppg; 41.8 fg%; 38.7 3pt%; 1.8 rpg; 1.5 apg; 0.6 spg

[ElNono]

That Dude Belli is a great pickup... I was watching the Heat-Bulls series, and they were talking how he has improved his defensive game with Thibs, which always been his major drawback...

This signing also points to the FO planning basically a 2 seasons all-in... seems they're looking for FAs willing to take 2 year deals, so they can potentially blow it all up at the end of '14-'15...

[slick'81]

If Spurs plan to go after a free agent with their cap space, their first move to do is to renounce at Neal and amnestying Bonner. It's a lot of shooting lost so going after a shooter with the room exception makes a lot of sense.

If this deal is with a part of the MLE, it would be disappointing.

Agreed for part of mle not worth it

[Chomag]

If they land AK, that's a solid A.
I'll be honest, I haven't watched much of AK since his Utah days. Is he still about the same kind of player?

[pad300]

Wow looking at his shooting percentages from last season right now :O

FG%: .395, 3p%: .357

That's pretty dreadful..

Take a look at these 2 tables:

http://www.thenbageek.com/players/compare?utf8=%E2%9C%93&player_ids[]=309&player_ids[]=206&player_ids[]=1311

Particularly the2nd last column in table 2, PPS. Beli is in the same ball park for shooting...

[spurraider21]

New salary cap exception added in the last CBA for teams that stay within the salary cap. Teams under the cap don't get the MLE or the LLE, but they now get the room exception (2yrs/5.4M) to add a player above the cap.
so basically in this scenario, IF they still wanted to go after kirilenko, which right now is looking like a pipe dream, they'd first have to sign splitter/manu. then renounce neal/amnesty bonner. THEN sign kirilenko with the remaining cap room created by those moves. only then once we have hit the cap, we sign bello to the room exception

[elemento]

BR about to become a Spurs fan right now :lmao

[Captivus]

That Dude Belli is a great pickup... I was watching the Heat-Bulls series, and they were talking how he has improved his defensive game with Thibs, which always been his major drawback...

This signing also points to the FO planning basically a 2 seasons all-in... seems they're looking for FAs willing to take 2 year deals, so they can potentially blow it all up at the end of '14-'15...

Im almost 100% sure thats the case.
Thats the season the Spurs fans are gonna see all the roster changes they wanted for the last 10 years, all of them in 1 year.

[Brazil]

extremely solid signing, Bele for 2 years / $M 6 is a steal compared to Manu 2 / 14

[Mel_13]

so basically in this scenario, IF they still wanted to go after kirilenko, which right now is looking like a pipe dream, they'd first have to sign splitter/manu. then renounce neal/amnesty bonner. THEN sign kirilenko with the remaining cap room created by those moves. only then once we have hit the cap, we sign bello to the room exception

I'm not sure about the precise order, but those would appear to be the steps.

[ElNono]

extremely solid signing, Bele for 2 years / $M 6 is a steal compared to Manu 2 / 14

:lol

[CGD]

This is where the Spurs keep enough cap space to bid on an amnestied player...and my evil plan to bring in MWP comes to fruition.
Or the recently amnestied Tyrua Thomas...

[jiggy_55]

Woj says 6million, Ramona Shelburne who broke the official signed deal is saying 5.6million

[jyra]

Take a look at these 2 tables:

http://www.thenbageek.com/players/compare?utf8=%E2%9C%93&player_ids[]=309&player_ids[]=206&player_ids[]=1311

Particularly the2nd last column in table 2, PPS. Beli is in the same ball park for shooting...

Well he doesn't suck as much Neal, so there is that. I do believe that he will improve those numbers with the Spurs.

[Texas_Ranger]

we still need a backup SF. Wouldn't surprise me if it's a veteran cause Kawhi will play a lot. I also think one of the guard is getting traded, most likely Nando.

[Mal]

Im almost 100% sure thats the case.
Thats the season the Spurs fans are gonna see all the roster changes they wanted for the last 10 years, all of them in 1 year.

Probably with Parker, Splitter, Leonard as core.

[Spursfanfromafar]

NOt a bad player for a backup SG.

But Bruno, does that mean curtains for Neal's term with the Spurs? And no more cap room/ MLE for AK47 and that means no AK47 any more, right?

Parker, Joseph, De Colo
Green, Belinelli, Mills
Leonard, Ginobili
Diaw, Bonner
Splitter, Duncan, Baynes

Interesting.. but not much of an upgrade over 2012-13.

[Mel_13]

extremely solid signing, Bele for 2 years / $M 6 is a steal compared to Manu 2 / 14

Averages out to 5m per year for SGs with Italian surnames. Everyone should be happy now.

[spurraider21]

Woj says 6million, Ramona Shelburne who broke the official signed deal is saying 5.6million

i trust woj over shelburne, but she's a lot closer to that coveted 5.4 million figure for the room exception

[toki9]

Wasn't he originally drafted by Nellie?

[poop]

all fine and good but we need a huge black muscleman with primitive aggression personality or WE LOSE.

[ElNono]

woj story:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--spurs-reach-agreement-to-sign-marco-belinelli-195549381.html

[Johnny RIngo]

If this deal is with a part of the MLE, it would be disappointing.

[slick'81]

Let's hope spurs got him for that rle

[BRHornet45]

lucky bastards

[Brazil]

Averages out to 5m per year for SGs with Italian surnames. Everyone should be happy now.

:lol

for less than 1 year Manu u have 2 years Bele !!!

[ElNono]

lucky bastards

:lol

[Captivus]

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTDmBsWR-NsjF4w_09koaZ3JQcVVoQRg8sBkQVIpa0MV-T8XCgnhttps://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTJKK056Tj9wEa3yjeP03Z3twZp9tbwS FQCnIdMSyWvAnbFucIo

[Interrohater]

Does anybody think this means anything for Nando? To me, he's the one that was 'meh' the whole season. He was supposed to be 'mini-Manu', but he played nothing like that. Neal is a one-trick pony, but he's damn good at that one trick. Cory Joseph is good enough to keep around. Danny Green isn't going anywhere and neither is Manu.

Danny Green
Manu
Belinelli
Neal
De Colo
Joseph
Parker
Patty Mills

That's way too many guards. If I had the power (and thankfully I don't), Parker, Joseph, Belinelli, Manu, Green, Mills would be all I'd bring back. Neal and De Colo are out IMO.

[deibero]

NOt a bad player for a backup SG.

But Bruno, does that mean curtains for Neal's term with the Spurs? And no more cap room/ MLE for AK47 and that means no AK47 any more, right?

Parker, Joseph, De Colo
Green, Belinelli, Mills
Leonard, Ginobili
Diaw, Bonner
Splitter, Duncan, Baynes

Interesting.. but not much of an upgrade over 2012-13.

again, i believe they can create around 5m of cap space left to sign kirilenko by renouncing neal and amnestying bonner...

most logical move is to work a sign and trade with neal and de colo plus bonner expiring to to the twolves for ak or something along those lines

[Brazil]

lucky bastards

send a pm to ElNono to get your SF acreditation

[DesignatedT]

http://sportsgif.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Marco-Belinelli-GIF.gif

[Brazil]

Belinelli as a Neal replacement is a very good move, he's a bigger and slightly more intelligent version of Neal, tbh..

If it isn't a Neal replacement, it's a shitty addition, tbh..his defence is atrocious(like Neal) and he's streaky, like Neal..

Disappointing if this is the only key addition of the off-season, but I love it if it means Neal is gone..

I'm still hoping for either a backup PG or a small ball PF..

how the holidays in Wales are doing ?

[UZER]

I really love this pick up. Have loved this dude since first glance in the Olympics few years back. He's definitely a gamer and has heart, and gritty.

[BRHornet45]

send a pm to ElNono to get your SF acreditation

wtf is that

[kobyz]

Of course you hate it.

Yeah because Marco is not a game changer, he is another role player and believe me no better than Neal. Front office act like they going through the motion and it is not gonna cut it out, should have done a better job, the way the team is direct right now not look good, we needed to find a change of pace addition and instead we stay the same as last year and only got worst.

[Bruno]

But Bruno, does that mean curtains for Neal's term with the Spurs? And no more cap room/ MLE for AK47 and that means no AK47 any more, right?


The curtain for Neal wouldn't be financially wise but would be playing time wise. Despite what woj said, I just don't see how you keep Neal when you have Ginobili, Green and Belinelli at SG.

For Kirilenko, it depends if Belinelli is signed with the room exception ($5.4M/2 years) or a part of the MLE. If it's a part of the MLE, Kirilenko won't be a Spur. If it's the room exception, it likely means Spurs will still add a quality free agent with Kirilenko being the most logical one.

[Johnny RIngo]

extremely solid signing, Bele for 2 years / $M 6 is a steal compared to Manu 2 / 14

You'd think selfish Manu would have given the Spurs a discount considering:

-he was way overpaid the last two seasons
-he selfishly played for Argentina despite his age and fragile condition
-spent a good portion of the season injured and another portion recovering from injury
-sucked anytime he was on the court
-was the primary reason they lost the title this year

[Bruno]

lucky bastards

:lol

[cd021]

Yeah!. He can ball. I watched more than dozen Bulls games he can shoot and attack off the dribble. He kind of reminds me of a smaller , quicker Turkoglu

[temujin]

Wasn't he originally drafted by Nellie?

Yes.

[Captivus]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine) 1min (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/352881147115610113) Back to reality: Word is Belinelli had more lucrative offer from Cleveland but could not resist lure of joining Spurs' all-world operation

Dan McCarney ‏@danmccarneysaen (https://twitter.com/danmccarneysaen) 1min (https://twitter.com/danmccarneysaen/status/352881177788555264)
If the Spurs were able to squeeze Belinelli under the cap, a solid pickup. Dip into the MLE, and it's a big meh.

[dbestpro]

I look at this as more than a Neal replacement. I see this as Manu insurance should his play continues in a downward spiral.

[ducks]

another white dude

[Darkwaters]

extremely solid signing, Bele for 2 years / $M 6 is a steal compared to Manu 2 / 14

That deal that Manu got is a reward deal for long service. He really didn't command or deserve that much. But having taken less his entire career, it made sense to take care of him.

[jmanu20]

Didn't even know Belinelli was available, solid pickup. Great shooter and coming from the Bulls, I know he won't be afraid to play some D.

[Spurtacus]

I like this move as a Neal replacement. His avg last year are nearly identical to Neal but he'll be in a better offensive system with the Spurs. Defensively I have no idea but I imagine he's gotta be decent if Thibs gave him 26mpg last year in Chicago.

Hopefully we can still get Kirilenko or Oden.

[ducks]

I do not think it was the mle because he tooko a pay cut to be a spur not a cav

[z0sa]

Great pickup, provided we got Big Balls Bellinelli without using any of the MLE.

[Bill_Brasky]

lucky bastards

Grande MF'n Belli son. :toast

[Darkwaters]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine) 1min (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/352881147115610113) Back to reality: Word is Belinelli had more lucrative offer from Cleveland but could not resist lure of joining Spurs' all-world operation


San Antonio was an attractive free agent destination that someone turned down more money to come to? How often do we hear that?

[Baam]

San Antonio was an attractive free agent destination that someone turned down more money to come to? How often do we hear that?

European player.

[HI-FI]

extremely solid signing, Bele for 2 years / $M 6 is a steal compared to Manu 2 / 14

:lol
agree. i see what you did there though.

[024]

Wow the Spurs actually signed a player I wanted to replace Neal. Not bad, he's streaky like Neal but is much more well rounded and can run the offense when Ginobili is too busy passing the ball to the other team.

[benefactor]

San Antonio was an attractive free agent destination that someone turned down more money to come to? How often do we hear that?
This is the first time I can remember it happening tbh.

[Chomag]

San Antonio was an attractive free agent destination that someone turned down more money to come to? How often do we hear that?

Yep, if so I like him better already.

[Baam]

Boris took a big pay cut as well.

[look_at_g_shred]

Love it!

[Darkwaters]

I like this move as a Neal replacement. His avg last year are nearly identical to Neal but he'll be in a better offensive system with the Spurs. Defensively I have no idea but I imagine he's gotta be decent if Thibs gave him 26mpg last year in Chicago.

Hopefully we can still get Kirilenko or Oden.

I agree, if we're really go to dump Neal/Bonner then we're going to lose a lot of potential shooters. Belinelli for 2yr/6M is a great quality and yet cheap pick up. Excellent upgrade over Neal without breaking open the piggy bank.

[CGD]

The curtain for Neal wouldn't be financially wise but would be playing time wise. Despite what woj said, I just don't see how you keep Neal when you have Ginobili, Green and Belinelli at SG.

For Kirilenko, it depends if Belinelli is signed with the room exception ($5.4M/2 years) or a part of the MLE. If it's a part of the MLE, Kirilenko won't be a Spur. If it's the room exception, it likely means Spurs will still add a quality free agent with Kirilenko being the most logical one.

How would that happen? Must it be a sign and trade with the Wolves?

[coyotes_geek]

Dan McCarney ‏@danmccarneysaen (https://twitter.com/danmccarneysaen) 1min (https://twitter.com/danmccarneysaen/status/352881177788555264)
If the Spurs were able to squeeze Belinelli under the cap, a solid pickup. Dip into the MLE, and it's a big meh.

x1000

[Darkwaters]

European player.

You see the Italian flag on my name? You think I don't know who Marco Belinelli is?

[Spursfan092120]

I think it's a GREAT signing...especially taking a pay cut...but on the real...how did we convince Rocky to leave Philadelphia?

http://epicmess.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/marco_belinelli-rambo1.jpg

[Amuseddaysleeper]

This is the first time I can remember it happening tbh.

What about Michael Finley, no? I know he was amnestied at the time, so maybe that's why it was easier for him to take a small contract.

[Baam]

You see the Italian flag on my name? You think I don't know who Marco Belinelli is?

I'm saying that's why the Spurs are a great/attractive destination for him is all.

[temujin]

European player.

That's righet.
Playes basketball as it should be played.
Spurs material.

[benefactor]

What about Michael Finley, no? I know he was amnestied at the time, so maybe that's why it was easier for him to take a small contract.
I thought about that, but yeah...that money he was getting from Dallas made the decision much easier for him.

[Texas_Ranger]

Now if we could get Rudy Fernandez we'd have 3 pretty much the same players.

[coyotes_geek]

San Antonio was an attractive free agent destination that someone turned down more money to come to? How often do we hear that?

To be fair, it was a choice between us and Cleveland.......

[Interrohater]

San Antonio was an attractive free agent destination that someone turned down more money to come to? How often do we hear that?
I've started to realize, probably the last to do so, that the reason we have so many foreign players is because they're don't give a damn about the bright lights of whatever city and the thug life afforded by more metropolitan areas. They have other intentions and that's to make money and be around a good group of people. They're already in foreign territory, they don't care about a place where their 'boys' will enjoy moving to.

[still.focused]

all fine and good but we need a huge black muscleman with primitive aggression personality or WE LOSE.

DING DING DING
Catch ball >> Dunk ball>> Run down court > Block a shot or 2 while ur down the >> grab ball>> pass ball >> Run up court

[Seventyniner]

Another guard?!

...Is Danny Green on his way out?

[Bruno]

How would that happen? Must it be a sign and trade with the Wolves?

Not necessarily, it can be just a classic signing through cap space.

If Spurs amnesty Bonner and renounce to Neal/Blair/McGrady, they will have $6M in cap space too offer at Kirilenko. It doesn't seem enough but Kirilenko could agree at taking a paycut and Spurs could do little moves, like salary dumping Mills and/or De Colo, to open a little more cap space.

[UZER]

To be fair, it was a choice between us and Cleveland.......

:lol true

[SpursSerb]

That's righet.
Playes basketball as it should be played.
Spurs material.

Too bad us europeans are so soft.:lol

[Chomag]

I've started to realize, probably the last to do so, that the reason we have so many foreign players is because they're don't give a damn about the bright lights of whatever city and the thug life afforded by more metropolitan areas. They have other intentions and that's to make money and be around a good group of people. They're already in foreign territory, they don't care about a place where their 'boys' will enjoy moving to.

:lol I never thought of it that way.

[loveforthegame]

Yes. :tu

Better version of Neal in every way. Never thought this was possible.

[Captivus]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine) 35s (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/352884383155367940) Strong indications today that NBA Finals hero Gary Neal will NOT be back with San Antonio. Which is why Spurs moved so fast on Belinelli

[coyotes_geek]

Another guard?!

...Is Danny Green on his way out?

Danny Green? No.

Someone out of the Mills/Joseph/DeColo trio though............

[barakz21]

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTDmBsWR-NsjF4w_09koaZ3JQcVVoQRg8sBkQVIpa0MV-T8XCgnhttps://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTJKK056Tj9wEa3yjeP03Z3twZp9tbwS FQCnIdMSyWvAnbFucIo

Pure gold!!! :lol

[Mel_13]

Not necessarily, it can be just a classic signing through cap space.

If Spurs amnesty Bonner and renounce to Neal/Blair/McGrady, they will have $6M in cap space too offer at Kirilenko. It doesn't seem enough but Kirilenko could agree at taking a paycut and Spurs could do little moves, like salary dumping Mills and/or De Colo, to open a little more cap space.

Does that assume the smallest possible 1st year salaries for the reported deals for Manu and Tiago?

[Darkwaters]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine) 35s (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/352884383155367940) Strong indications today that NBA Finals hero Gary Neal will NOT be back with San Antonio. Which is why Spurs moved so fast on Belinelli

Playing Devil's Advocate for a second, if the Spurs really do intend to keep Neal (and it is possible) then that might indicate they're planning on moving Nando de Colo or Patty Mills.

[jiggy_55]

ESPNSteinLine
Strong indications today that NBA Finals hero Gary Neal will NOT be back with San Antonio. Which is why Spurs moved so fast on Belinelli

[monkeypunk]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine) 35s (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/352884383155367940) Strong indications today that NBA Finals hero Gary Neal will NOT be back with San Antonio. Which is why Spurs moved so fast on Belinelli

The fuck?

[temujin]

Too bad us europeans are so soft.:lol

yeap, Beli won a couple of PO games sinking FTs in the final minute.......
Not scared by an NBA "crowd" (whatever that means).....

[Chomag]

I'm just happy to see Spurs making some new moves before training camp because we all know if you miss training camp It's very difficult to see floor time under Pop.

[ducks]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine) 35s (https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/352884383155367940) Strong indications today that NBA Finals hero Gary Neal will NOT be back with San Antonio. Which is why Spurs moved so fast on Belinelli

I bet someone offers him 24 million

[Darkwaters]

The fuck?

Forgot Game 3 already, huh?

[Bruno]

Does that assume the smallest possible 1st year salaries for the reported deals for Manu and Tiago?

For Tiago, I'm using his cap hold which is lower that his first year salary regardless how he is structure. For Manu, I'm using the classic raising structure and a first year at $6.75M.

[Mel_13]

For Tiago, I'm using his cap hold which is lower that his first year salary regardless how he is structure. For Manu, I'm using the classic raising structure and a first year at $6.75M.

Thanks.

[SpursRock20]

The fuck?
He was pretty big in game 3, tbh. But even Green overshadowed him in that game. Definitely not a hero :lol

[DPG21920]

Man, as others have said, I really want to know if the contract is truly 6M. If it is, it's not the room exception. In a bubble (trademarked DPG), I like him better than Neal. Gary did so much more than expected (I still remember watching him live in that Summer League), but Belli is solid.

Even if was MLE (which would suck), in all honesty the Spurs likely couldn't draw a big name with just the MLE anyways so getting a guy like Belli is about as good as you could hope for (bring back all key guys and look for little ways to improve). Just have to hope cap space is still alive here.

[temujin]

Playing Devil's Advocate for a second, if the Spurs really do intend to keep Neal (and it is possible) then that might indicate they're planning on moving Nando de Colo or Patty Mills.

They should move either one.
And Neal is gone, for sure: I don't see Beli AND Manu AND neal behind DVerde

[T Park]

Renouncing Gary Neal Macgrady and Blair makes sense now.

[Captivus]

I bet someone offers him 24 million

You know what?! I hope so!!
I like Neal...

[Johnny RIngo]

Playing Devil's Advocate for a second, if the Spurs really do intend to keep Neal (and it is possible) then that might indicate they're planning on moving Nando de Colo or Patty Mills.

One can only hope.

[HI-FI]

I've started to realize, probably the last to do so, that the reason we have so many foreign players is because they're don't give a damn about the bright lights of whatever city and the thug life afforded by more metropolitan areas. They have other intentions and that's to make money and be around a good group of people. They're already in foreign territory, they don't care about a place where their 'boys' will enjoy moving to.

that could explain a lot. i've always asked people on here why SA has a hard time with free agents. I have issues with Texas, but most players would rather play where it gets warm. Besides between SA and Austin, there is a lot to do. But I think your theory is probably the most accurate. Foreign players love coming here but the thuggish types hate it. Makes sense.

[monkeypunk]

Forgot Game 3 already, huh?

1 game does not a hero make, is all I'm saying...

[Bruno]

And with a S&T like:
Spurs get Kirilenko for De Colo + cash
Minny get a TE for Kirilenko
Third Team (like Utah) get De Colo + cash for nothing

Spurs will be able to offer Kirilenko a starting salary of $7.6M.

[spurraider21]

if they are dipping into the MLE it also probably means they've spoken with kirilenko/ellis and they aren't willing to settle for even the full MLE.

[Darkwaters]

You know what?! I hope so!!
I like Neal...

Agreed. For a couple of reasons:

A) Neal is a good guy and was a great Spur. I'd love to see him make some serious cash on someone else's dime and time.
B) That's money that WON'T be spent competing with the Spurs

[spurraider21]

And with a S&T like:
Spurs get Kirilenko for De Colo + cash
Minny get a TE for Kirilenko
Third Team (like Utah) get De Colo + cash for nothing

Spurs will be able to offer Kirilenko a starting salary of $7.6M.

im sure by nothing its probably a top 55 protected 2nd rounder or something like that :lol

[slick'81]

And with a S&T like:
Spurs get Kirilenko for De Colo + cash
Minny get a TE for Kirilenko
Third Team (like Utah) get De Colo + cash for nothing

Spurs will be able to offer Kirilenko a starting salary of $7.6M.
So there's hope lol

[Baam]

And with a S&T like:
Spurs get Kirilenko for De Colo + cash
Minny get a TE for Kirilenko
Third Team (like Utah) get De Colo + cash for nothing

Spurs will be able to offer Kirilenko a starting salary of $7.6M.

Ok I'm getting excited...

[Darkwaters]

1 game does not a hero make, is all I'm saying...

Actually it kind of does. He basically kept us afloat through that first half. Danny Green didn't start drilling shots until late in the game when the score was starting to get bloated.

[ducks]

And with a S&T like:
Spurs get Kirilenko for De Colo + cash
Minny get a TE for Kirilenko
Third Team (like Utah) get De Colo + cash for nothing

Spurs will be able to offer Kirilenko a starting salary of $7.6M.email pop ASP

[Bruno]

im sure by nothing its probably a top 55 protected 2nd rounder or something like that :lol

Yep, include some second round picks in this trade but you get the idea.

[Darkwaters]

And with a S&T like:
Spurs get Kirilenko for De Colo + cash
Minny get a TE for Kirilenko
Third Team (like Utah) get De Colo + cash for nothing

Spurs will be able to offer Kirilenko a starting salary of $7.6M.

Bruno,

If the Spurs traded away de Colo, would they then have the LLE to play with again?

[Baam]

email pop ASP

:lol tbh Bruno should be on the Spurs payroll.

[therealtruth]

You'd think selfish Manu would have given the Spurs a discount considering:

-he was way overpaid the last two seasons
-he selfishly played for Argentina despite his age and fragile condition
-spent a good portion of the season injured and another portion recovering from injury
-sucked anytime he was on the court
-was the primary reason they lost the title this year

The Spurs are still making up for underpaying Manu with his first extension.

[jestersmash]

Ok I'm getting excited...

Why? Do you seriously think anyone out there wants Nando De Colo right now :lol

[Bruno]

Bruno,

If the Spurs traded away de Colo, would they then have the LLE to play with again?

No, they won't. You can't use the LLE 2 years in a row even if the LLE player has been traded or waived.

[SenorSpur]

Good signing. Marco is a terrific shooter and there's no way he could be as bad of a defender as Neal. I trust this signing ensures the end of the ill-fated Neal as backup PG experiment. Hopefully, the Spurs are still in position to make a run at a backup SF, like AK47.

[monkeypunk]

Actually it kind of does. He basically kept us afloat through that first half. Danny Green didn't start drilling shots until late in the game when the score was starting to get bloated.

He had a good game, but it's a stretch to call him an NBA Finals Hero for one good game in a losing series...

Though I would agree that he played heroball as much as he could. Not really the same thing as being a hero.

[jermaine]

Can someone make a photo with him in a Spurs jersey! Please Im from Louisiana an I loved the way he played with the Hornets.

[ducks]

he should shot better here as a spur

[CGD]

Not necessarily, it can be just a classic signing through cap space.

If Spurs amnesty Bonner and renounce to Neal/Blair/McGrady, they will have $6M in cap space too offer at Kirilenko. It doesn't seem enough but Kirilenko could agree at taking a paycut and Spurs could do little moves, like salary dumping Mills and/or De Colo, to open a little more cap space.

Thanks. It just seems surprising that the Spurs amnesty Bonner after having the chance to waive him for less; then again, it could be a nice parting gift for a guy they really like as a person, etc.

I guess this shows that Free Agency is such a moving target, and we as fans assume that players are available in a vacuum at any given time. For example, it's possible that AK47 rebuffed the Spurs' original overtures, is waiting to see what the market yields after some of the bigger names are signed, and then will reassess his asking price. Might be that he's gettable at 16M-18M/3yrs after all.

[HarlemHeat37]

I've seen some posters here classify Beli as a decent defender..he really isn't, tbh:lol..he's a terrible defensive player, but as I said earlier, better than Neal(it's virtually impossible to be worse than Neal on defense, though)..

[DPG21920]

And with a S&T like:
Spurs get Kirilenko for De Colo + cash
Minny get a TE for Kirilenko
Third Team (like Utah) get De Colo + cash for nothing

Spurs will be able to offer Kirilenko a starting salary of $7.6M.

Just to keep things straight, the above scenario assumes:

Bonner amnesty
Blair/Neal renounced and gone
De Colo included in the trade (his salary)
Tiago's being signed last so his cap hold is the calculated in the cap room
Manu being a normal contract where YR2 is higher than YR1.

All that equals 7.6M

[Keepin' it real]

Is Belinelli the guy who looks like "The Professional" starring Natalie Portman?

[DPG21920]

I've seen some posters here classify Beli as a decent defender..he really isn't, tbh:lol..he's a terrible defensive player, but as I said earlier, better than Neal(it's virtually impossible to be worse than Neal on defense, though)..

My dude HH telling the truth. People seem to be implying better than = good. He's not a good defender although he is better than Neal.

[Bruno]

Belinelly signed with the room exception, spurs amnestying Bonner and adding a player like Kirilenko is just a possible scenario.

Another possible scenario that is way less optimistic is Belinelli being signed with a part of the MLE. Spurs will then sign a cheap forward like Casspi with the rest of their MLE and call it an offseason...