Hawks Waive Marco Belinelli - Signs With Sixers

[key2win]

Guard Marco Belinelli gets buyout from Hawks, becomes free agent

Atlanta Hawks guard Marco Belinelli finalized a buyout agreement that clears the way for him to become a free agent, the team announced Friday.

Belinelli, 31, had been in trade discussions for the rebuilding Hawks, but the team didn't complete a deal before the league's trade deadline on Thursday afternoon. His ability to shoot the ball is appealing to contenders anxious to strengthen their bench rotations.

Before Thursday's deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder were among teams believed to be interested in trading for him, league sources said. Those teams do have roster spots available to sign a free agent.

Belinelli has averaged 11.4 points per game this season for the Hawks. In a decade in the NBA, he has averaged 9.8 points a game.

[key2win]

Guard Marco Belinelli to sign with Philadelphia after clearing waivers

Marco Belinelli has committed to signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources told ESPN.

The Sixers were one of several playoff teams and contenders to offer Belinelli, a savvy veteran shooting guard, a roster spot for the balance of the season.

As they push to make the playoffs for the first time in five years, the Sixers recruited Belinelli with the promise of a significant role off the bench.

Belinelli, 31, will clear waivers and become an unrestricted free agent by Monday. After failing to find a trade it was willing to make, the Atlanta Hawks reached a buyout agreement on Belinelli's expiring $6.3 million contract.

Belinelli averaged 11.4 points for the Hawks this season. In a decade in the NBA, he has averaged 9.8 points a game.