The deal is done, Belinelli for George

For almost a year, Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo has been chasing guard Marco Belinelli of the Golden State Warriors.

He got him.

A conference call to confirm the deal is scheduled for late Thursday morning as the Raptors have traded Devean George and “a little bit of cash” to Golden State for the 6-5 guard from Italy.

We’ll have more on this in the morning, and its implications on the possible signing of free agent Carlos Delfino but the deal provides the kind of shooting off the bench and depth the Raptors covet.

Belinelli averaged 8.9 points and 2.1 assists per game with the Warriors last season. The 23-year-old is comfortable playing both guard position spots and has been a target of Colangelo’s for a year.

Comments

[Alex]

this is a stupid deal for GSW but a amazing deal for us, way to go BC you are the best GM in the league man.

[phoenix_bladen]

wow this is awesome!

talk about picking up another combo guard and extra young talent!

SG position looks stacked with depth now!

[Sean H]

Not that it matters but..FIRST!

My jaw dropped when reading this (actually I think Yahoo Sports broke it first...that's where I read it.) Anyway, wow, I am really happy with this one. Off season keeps getting better and better!

What this means for Carlos remains to be seen. Methinks he might be going back to Russia...

[charles]

you dont want to hear it.
But I think this trade will pave the way for the return of the LEGEND!

[Matt from Oakville]

Wow. On the surface I'd say this was a steal for us... but now I'm a bit skeptical just how valued Belinelli actually was to GS. Was it worth it for them to give up on a 23-some odd old kid for a 30+ year old 3rd/4th man rotation at the wing?

Puzzling, unless the money incentives made Marco expendable.

[Alex]

WOW BC continues to tear it up.

Doug how do you see the Raptors depth at the 3 now?

Blogger's note: Not very good. But I think Wright can guard some threes

[Andrew]

Great news! Belinelli has potential! Italian Duo...coming next season!

[DirtNasty]

Another combo guard? Can he play SF at all? I know George was a stiff but atleast he has some size. Right now it seems the only players capable of playing 3 are Turk and Wright(and even Wright is more of a SG). You see this as a problem Doug?

Blogger's note: It's not an optimum situation.

[jesse]

BYE BYE Delfino?

[Ryan Sadler]

BC! If executive of the year awards were given out in the summer, he'd be a shoe-in! Despite what that "journalist" Bill Simmons says

[Mark]

Can Belleneli defend? I don't know about this deal. I think this team needs veterans and defence, the guy scores more, but we can already score. And where does this leave Delfino? I think BC has closed the book on him for good with this one. I hope he's got something up his sleeve. If you want a good defender, leader and veteran you would trade Banks, Ukic and Bellineli to New Orleans for Posey. Hey, you get older, but with age comes wisdom. The Raptors are young enough. In my opinion, you can't expect much from a team in the playoffs with players who have never really been in the playoffs.

[Ryan Sadler]

Can the nickname of this year's team please be: "The Super Friends"

[Jim Redmond]

For me, this has been one very interesting off-season for the Raptors. I understand the fact that Colangelo is trying his best to keep Bosh in Toronto. What enthralls me is the way that the moves that have been made in order to not only keep Chris happy but also improve the Raptors. In a way it is like a dance where you are trying to avoid those who will step on your feet versus those who will teach you a new step. In other words, keep those who you want to surround Bosh, Bargnani and Calderon and bring in those who will improve the team. Turkoglu, Jack, Derozan, and now Belinelli plus Wright? This should improve the Raps but, as always we hope for an injury free year. It will be a fresh new team for sure....

[Conrad]

wow... that one was unexpected and under the radar... hot off the presses... nice pickup I say... put it in the 'why not?' category... either way, nice scoop! Congrats.

[Dee from Sauga]

I'm getting very excited. I've always liked Belinelli..

[trini man]

I LOVEEEEEEEEEEE ITTTT!!!.......so this means carlos delfino will not be a raptor next year?

[sharmn5]

I think that Belinelli has incredible upside. How in the world did BC pull this off Doug? Had you heard of issues between Marco and Nelly?

Blogger's note: Belinelli wanted to play more and Nellie didn't really want him to

[Mike]

So BC moves a 31 year old George for a 23 year old G who has only had 2 half seasons under his belt. (Along with several 20+ pt games)

I was getting annoyed at all the ridiculous questions about possible trades but apparantly BC is capable of magic so it appears anything is possible.

Hey Doug was this one anywhere on your radar?

Blogger's note: Their interest in Belinelli has been well-documented for months so, yeah, I figured they'd take a good shot at getting him

[Ashmit]

I love this move by BC. There was a stretch during last season where Bellinelli was playing amazing, and then injuries took his progress away. He is a streaky, streaky shooter, a great facilitator, and has a high basketball IQ. Defensively I'm not sure what he brings other than average skills. I wanted him to be a Raptor when he was in GS, so I'm quite happy about this move. It adds some much needed depth at the SG position (George, who?)

[Tom W]

Really Belinelli? The Raptors are modelling themselves too much after European teams and less like "a normal" NBA team. Looks like the Raptors lost one devoted fan right here. I m moving on to the Magic with Howard, Lewis , and Vince!

[dave]

ha Doug you talking about how this deal effects Carlos! No you got it all wrong.. how does it do for Pops Mensah-Bonsu !!!

If that means they not looking at Carlos anymore then they can get Pops Mensah-Bonsu as the 15th roster slot! now... u where 1-99 then 5-95 on the odds... does this make it 10-90? or better!

Blogger's note: Judging from conversations I've had this week, it's still 3-97 at best

[Michel G]

In term of careers, George is out the door and Belinelli is just starting his. This is a great deal no matter how you dissect it. Unfortunately, neither Rasho, Evans, nor O'Bryant can play the three...

[Borna]

Doug, I like the move, but now i don't understand something. The raptors roster is now;

PG - Calderon, Jack, Ukic, Banks
SG - DeRozan, Bellineli, Wright, Douby
SF - Turkoglu
PF - Bosh, Evans
C - Bargnani, Nesterovic, O'Bryant

Bellineli can't really play SF, Wright.. not really. Jack is going to play 2 also. So my point is we are very crowded at guard, and have no backups at SF. Also if Delfino returns... another guard.

Please explain to me doug.

Thanks,

Blogger's note: I think I might have in the regular blog

[Blake Smith]

This will obviously create a log jam at the 2. There is no doubt Bellinelli is talented, but where does this leave Jack for playing time. I mean if you are BC, there is no way you pass up that deal; however, who backs up Turkoglu (Derozan?)? And where are all the minutes going to go for the 2's. I have only read in different articles that Wright is strong defensively, but will he lose a big chunk of time to this.

At least there are some more interesting pieces in the puzzle for Triano to work with. I hope chemisty works out.

[charles]

im not worried about the depth at the 3.... they didnt sign Hedo to sit on the bench, and they should be able to get buy using Andrea, Wright, and maybe DD at the 3 for the 15 mpg they will need it.