Fansided

Marco Belinelli took less money to sign with San Antonio Spurs

By Andrew Melnick

Jan 13, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Marco Belinelli (3) reacts after a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the New Orleans Arena. The Spurs defeated the Pelicans 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Marco Belinelli (3) reacts after a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the New Orleans Arena. The Spurs defeated the Pelicans 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 13, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Marco Belinelli (3) reacts after a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the New Orleans Arena. The Spurs defeated the Pelicans 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Marco Belinelli (3) reacts after a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the New Orleans Arena. The Spurs defeated the Pelicans 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

During the offseason, guard Marco Belinelli signed a two-year deal that will pay him $2,750,000  this season and $2,873,750 next season.

Belinelli has been a fantastic acquisition for the Spurs after he spent last season with the Chicago Bulls. Belinelli is averaging 11.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in just 23.6 minutes per game and has helped the Spurs get off to another fantastic start – they will enter Wednesday night’s showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder with a record of 32-9.

At just 27 years old, a guy who is playing at Belinelli’s level should probably be making more money.

However, Belinelli hasn’t made money his main priority.

“I know money is important,” Belinelli told Dan McCarney of Spurs Nation. “But I’m a young guy and I want to improve my game. Money will come. I just want to win.”

The Spurs are awfully glad they could convince Belinelli to take less money.

“He’s obviously highly intelligent,” Spurs head coach Greg Popovich said. “He’s had absolutely no trouble figuring things out. In fact, he’s figured things out quicker than any new guy we’ve ever brought in, I think.”

(H/T Pro Basketball Talk)

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