The Chicago Bulls are bringing back Derrick Rose after he missed the entire season last year coming back from major knee surgery and with Luol Deng coming into a contract year, the team would like to get him in on an extension, but so far things have stalled out between the two sides.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, Deng and the Bulls started up talks again after previously having discussions and with Deng looking at a $14.3 million salary this season, both sides are hoping to get things done. The report says that Den is set to become an unrestricted free agent and that while the two sides broke off talks for now, they likely will be picking them up again down the line. Deng has been with the team for nine seasons heading into 2013-14 and after contract talks stalled, could Deng end up on the trading block down the line?
Deng was mentioned in some earlier trade rumors according to ESPN.com and while those talks did not go too far, things could change this season if an extension is not reached between the two sides. Deng will be a coveted free agent on the market at his age and with his skill set and despite dealing with an injury in the playoffs last season, he could be a prime target for a team on the brink of the playoffs or someone looking to rebuild and turn their team around faster.
The Bulls made it through to the second round of the playoffs last season despite not having Rose all year and the team won a game against the Miami Heat and a series against the Nets despite Deng not being 100 percent and missing time in the postseason. Deng has been a very consistent player for the Bulls during his career and he played in 75 games last season as a starter and averaged 16 points and over six rebounds and the Bulls will want that production back.
Deng was a 42 percent shooter last season and despite dealing with a serious injury, he appears healthy and ready to come back this season and with players like Danny Granger, LeBron and Carmelo possibly hitting the market, he may want to stay in Chicago. The team has Jimmy Butler and wants to build around Rose and keeping Deng could be a huge part of that and if a deal is done during the season Chicago could rest easy knowing they won't lose him.
