Luol Deng’s time in Chicago appears to be nearing an end. The 6-foot-9 forward is yet to reach an agreement with the Chicago Bulls over his contract extension and unless Deng and the Bulls come to an agreement before the player leaves to join the Great Britain national team in two weeks time, Deng won’t be wearing the number nine jersey for the Bulls much longer.
An agreement must be made before August 4, but at the moment it seems more likely that Deng will sign a one-year qualifying offer of $4.5 million and become a free agent for the 2009 season.
The Bulls need to get the message: If they can’t come to an agreement soon with Deng, then one of their best players won't be playing in the United Center wearing a Bulls uniform anymore.
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Deng has already turned down an offer of $57.5 million from Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and if Deng remains adamant on leaving then the Bulls may have little choice but to deal a sign-and-trade with another team in the league.
The Miami Heat and Utah Jazz are both said to be interested in acquiring the former Duke forward.
Deng averaged 17.0 points per game this season to go along with his average of 6.30 rebounds and would be a big loss for the Bulls if they don’t find a way to keep him around for more than just one more season.
At just 23 years of age and coming off one his best seasons for the Bulls, Deng is still considered to be one the most skilled, young players in the NBA. The Bulls would have some big shoes to fill if he does leave.
So the Bulls better come to an agreement soon because by the time Deng boards a plane for England it will be too late.
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about 1 month ago
With all of his injuries last season, and the way he wore down, why is he playing in the olympics? Just wondering. It sure doesn't seem like he is really concerned about being healthy and rested for his upcoming Bulls season.
Deng is a good player, but he has never taken the next step up. He is not a superstar, but he wants that kind of money. The Bulls offer seems very good, especially considering last years meltdown.
His attitude last year often seemed to be sulky, self-centered and not especially interested in winning. Of course, most of the Bulls seemed to act that way last year. So maybe he shouldn't be held accountable. But the fact is, when a team reeks, no one wants to be held accountable.
At the end of the day, Deng may just not be the sort of team first player that the Bulls need to win in the playoffs. Please don't overpay just to keep him. Remember, we already are stuck with Larry Hughes, and Kirk Hinrich, both of whom were up- and- comers, and both of whom had enormous drop-offs leaving them virtually unmoveable.
about 1 month ago
Not sure why he's playing in the olypmics either, Jack. Is Great Britain's basketball team even any good? Maybe he finally needs that chance to shine!
But personally I thought the Bulls offered him a great contract and I can see why they haven't put any more money on the table yet but to me it seems like they haven't even made any efforts to negotiate and convince him to stay in Chicago.
And I'd rather have Luol Deng on my team than Larry Hughes, but that's just me.
about 1 month ago
Similar offer to what the sixers are offering Iguidala. I don't understand why you don't take that offer provided there is an player option in the summer of 2010, or 2011. Then if either player turns into a super star, they opt out, at still a very young age, and get a max deal from whoever is offering it.
I think 57.5 for 5 years is very fair. That said, both teams can't afford to lose that player(sixers need AI more!) So they may need to poney up the extra 1 mill a year to make it 62.5. I don't think either one of these guys is gonna be a vanhorn or spreewell, or houston or marbury or francis, and hamper their teams for the last 3 years of a deal. They will be very good for the length of the deals.
Sucks having a free market doesn't it!
about 1 month ago
Iguodala is a great player and I'd be disapointed to see the sixers lose him. Same goes for the Bulls. As you said, Deng is no superstar but he's still a great player and would be a valuable asset to any team... he's worth an extra 1 million per year in his contract. He'd do everything but hamper the Bulls.
about 1 month ago
My prediction is that Deng will leave and go to a team in the west. Playing on a better team with more talented scorers and against tougher opponents Deng will take a huge step back and dissappiont his team.
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