Luol Deng is one of the top free agents on the market and teams like the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers are potential free agency destinations and he likely will sign once LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony pick between the LA Lakers, NY Knicks, Cavaliers and Bulls, starting off the NBA dominoes for free agent deals.
Deng was traded this past season from the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers after the two sides could not work out a long term deal and now both of those teams are potential destinations for him in free agency. According to ESPN.com, Deng has met with the Miami Heat and he also has interest from the Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks and LA Lakers. The Bulls would love to re-sign Deng, but they are heavy into trying to get Carmelo Anthony and that has put other moves to the side for now as they try and lock down that deal.
Deng comes into the offseason after averaging 16 points and six rebounds per game and that is in line with his career averages. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Deng is not interested in taking a pay cut to join the Miami Heat, but that could change depending on who they add and if LeBron James decides to stay or go. James is now deciding between the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers and while some think the Cavs are a realistic option, most people in the league believe that he will go back to South Beach with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.
Deng is the top free agent on the market past LeBron and Carmelo Anthony and he is waiting in the wings as those players decide what to do in the future. Deng is a very athletic player and he has skills on offense and defense and now he could be a centerpiece for a team like the Lakers if they miss out on Anthony and he returns to the Knicks, which is a very likely move. Deng is one player that will get plenty of attention, as he is on the free agent market after being traded from the Bulls to the Cavs. The Bulls will be in the mix for him and so will the LA Lakers, who feel like a perfect fit for the forward.
The Miami Heat could be a match for Deng and while he has said that he will not take a pay cut, that could change depending on what happens with LeBron and Melo. Deng is a top option for the Lakers as well and they likely will go after him if Anthony stays in NY. The rumors now say that Anthony will stay and he could get traded after that or ask for a sign and trade. Deng has been waiting for the players to sign to get his deal done and that could be going down very soon. The Bulls remain in the mix, as do the Mavericks and the Hawks for his services.
