NBA Free Agency: Chicago Bulls Agree to Deal with Mike Dunleavy

Apr 28, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Mike Dunleavy (17) passes the ball as Miami Heat forward Shane Battier (31) defends during game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Miami won 88-77. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Mike Dunleavy (17) passes the ball as Miami Heat forward Shane Battier (31) defends during game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Miami won 88-77. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Mike Dunleavy (17) passes the ball as Miami Heat forward Shane Battier (31) defends during game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Miami won 88-77. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Mike Dunleavy (17) passes the ball as Miami Heat forward Shane Battier (31) defends during game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Miami won 88-77. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

A late afternoon development in the world of NBA free agency surrounded the Chicago Bulls actually making a move and adding a contract to the books. Despite the fact that they were rumored to bigger names like Monta Ellis and Will Bynum, Chicago has elected to go with a smaller an much less exciting name in Mike Dunleavy Jr.

Chicago needed some shooting guard help but the signing of Dunleavy is hardly going to sell season tickets — not that the Bulls have a problem with that. This deal is reminiscent of the Rip Hamilton deal an offseason ago where the Bulls brought in a veteran who they thought would produce. It’s much too early to judge Dunleavy but don’t blame Bulls fans for not being overly excited about the signing of Dunleavy.

That being said, he’s not a downgrade but that’s not saying much given the Bulls situation at the position over the last few years. Still, anything helps and the Bulls are hoping that Dunleavy can be the type of player that Nate Robinson blossomed into last year during the late regular season and into the postseason.