Luol Deng was hoping to be the final piece to a young core of players looking to make the playoffs. The Cleveland Cavaliers brought in Deng hoping he was the answer to short-term problem and a long-term problem. However, Deng no longer sees that as being the case and now a trade could be possible before the deadline.
The Cavaliers are hoping to get Deng signed to a long-term contract in the offseason. Former general manager Chris Grant told media following the trade for the forward that Cleveland was planning to begin negotiations on a long-term deal since Deng is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer. However, according to ESPN's Marc Stein, Deng has zero intentions of signing another contract to remain with the Cavaliers.
According to Stein, Deng is unhappy with the toxic behavior on the team. Players are not happy with head coach Mike Brown. There are issues in the locker room regarding franchise players. Deng has spoken out on the lack of effort from players, noting the team was not mature enough to make it to the postseason. So while the Cavaliers might want star talent like Deng back next season, he does not share the same viewpoint.
"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."
Cleveland could be getting the hint from Deng as his name is now being tossed around in trade rumors before the NBA deadline. Jabari Davis from Basketball Insiders reports the Detroit Pistons are taking a look at acquiring Deng before the deadline while also exploring the option of Evan Turner. As the Pistons undergo a big rebuilding period following the firing of Maurice Cheeks, they ideally would like some veteran voices for leadership.
Detroit likely will not be able to land Turner considering the team does not have the draft picks the Philadelphia 76ers are looking for. However, they could easily land Deng since his contract is expiring. Both the Cavaliers and the Pistons are going nowhere this season. Acquiring Deng would be slightly pointless for Detroit unless that give up one of their three big men as court spacing could continue to be an issue.
Deng is leaving Cleveland whether it is before the end of the month or after the season. He is an All-Star looking to win and a team will give him the contract he desires this summer.
