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Chicago Bulls move quiickly to keep Dunleavy

By The Sports Xchange
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (L) and Chicago Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy go for a loose ball during the first quarter of game 3 the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at the United Center on May 8, 2015 in Chicago. Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (L) and Chicago Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy go for a loose ball during the first quarter of game 3 the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at the United Center on May 8, 2015 in Chicago. Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI | License Photo

Small forward Mike Dunleavy and the Bulls agreed to a three-year, $14.4 million deal to keep the perimeter threat in Chicago and away from circling Eastern Conference rivals.

Dunleavy, who turns 35 before the 2015-16 season begins, was an unrestricted free agent. The deal can officially be signed July 9, when the league-wide moratorium on free agent signings ends.

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The Bulls also are likely to retain shooting guard Jimmy Butler. A restricted free agent after a breakout All-Star season, Butler was offered a five-year deal worth $90 million on Monday. He called off a series of meetings with teams interested in signing Butler to an offer sheet, including the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks.

Dunleavy averaged 9.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 63 games last season.

Several teams were ready to pursue Dunleavy, including the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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