When Luol Deng was traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was hoping to be the final piece needed to get the team to the playoffs. However, the Cavaliers have gone from bad to worse as off-the-court issues highlight a declining record. With Deng's contract expiring he is making not of the "mess" he is in and hoping to make a quick exit in free agency.
Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News reports that Deng is shocked by the mess Cleveland is in right now, claiming the team is not mature enough to make a run at the postseason. Lawrence reports that Deng is shocked by the lack of accountability in Cleveland as players get away with things that "would never be tolerated by the coaching staff or the front office back in Chicago."
Deng might be speaking the truth when it comes to accountability. Just last week Dion Waiters was kicked out of practice. Players have been accused of taking off their jerseys at halftime and threatening not to play. Lawrence reports that players mouth off to head coach Mike Brown. There have been multiple reports of unhappiness with franchise star Kyrie Irving. Deng is not thrilled by the whole things. He also believes maturity on the court is a big issue.
"Right now as a team, we can be any five on the floor and we still want to do the same things. It can't be that way," Deng said, via the Akron Beacon Journal. "You have to play to your personnel on the floor. I think that comes with maturity. I don't think anyone is not doing it on purpose, but it's something we've got to learn."
So with free agency looming for Deng, could a return to the Chicago Bulls be possible? The Bulls plan on acquiring at least one big name this offseason. If Carmelo Anthony opts to re-sign with the New York Knicks, could Deng be the best option?
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insider reports that might not be an option noting Chicago and Deng have burned the bridge between them. Money was the biggest issue when it came to a trade in the first place. Deng and the Bulls attempted multiple times to negotiate a new contract and it failed every time. It is unlikely they can make it work this time around.
