The Miami Heat signed Luol Deng off the free agent market to be as close to a replacement of LeBron James as possible. Deng was considered one of the best forwards on the free agent market and the Heat needed to attempt to replace some of James' production on the court. Miami has certainly struggled in that effort, sitting at just 15-20 on the season which has brought up trade rumors around certain players. Deng stresses that any trade rumors involving his name are not because he is requesting one.
On Thursday, ESPN's Marc Stein reported that the Memphis Grizzlies were targeting either Deng or Jeff Green from the Boston Celtics in a trade before the deadline. The Western Conference has gotten stacked after Houston added Corey Brewer and Josh Smith while Dallas got Rajon Rondo and Oklahoma City brought on Dion Waiters. In an effort to compete, Grizzlies felt either trade would keep them at the top.
Deng was quick to stress to the media that he is happy in Miami and loving playing for the Heat. The forward said that he has never once requested a trade from the franchise.
"It's not in my hands or anything," Deng said, via the Palm Beach Post. "I've just gotta continue doing what I need to do." I've had no issues. My whole thing this year has been trying to get it right. It's never been that I'm unhappy. Just because there are trade rumors- I'm not the one asking for a trade... I'm not the one starting the rumors or whatever's going on. I know just as much as you, honestly."
Deng is not exactly signed to the contract of his liking. The forward inked just a two-year deal worth $20 million while the second year is a player option. Deng wanted a bigger contract which is what caused is exit from Chicago in the first place. There is of course a possibility that Deng opts out of his deal at the end of the season which might cause the Heat to pull the trigger on a move if the Grizzlies offer up something good in return.
Green is a real possibility in a trade for Memphis as Boston has been circling the wagon on a deal for the power forward for the better part of the year. Trading Rajon Rondo certainly showed the team was preparing to rebuild in the upcoming future which could mean getting rid of Green's contract and getting draft picks and assets in return.