Luol Deng: Why He's a Good Fit for Golden State

Luol Deng would be a perfect fit for the Golden State Warriors.

According to ESPN Chicago, the Chicago Bulls and Warriors have discussed a trade that would send Deng to Golden State in exchange for the seventh overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

There are a few reasons why Deng would fit well in the Bay Area.

NEED

The Warriors need a small forward. Richard Jefferson isn't getting it done, and adding a viable starter at the three would give the Warriors a very good starting five.

According to Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle, GM Bob Meyers and coach Mark Jackson know what they want in a small forward:

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 Myers and coach Mark Jackson said they'd like to find a small forward who defends and rebounds and can knock down the occasional three-pointer.

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That describes Deng to a tee. He's an excellent defender, rebounds well and has shot 33 percent from distance in his career. 

Imagine: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Luol Deng, David Lee and Andrew Bogut. That's a fun and exciting starting group, one that would put up a lot of points.

The Warriors could then use the 30th pick overall to acquire some frontcourt depth.

DENG IS GOOD

Deng has been hidden behind Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer, but he's a very good player. Deng averaged 15.3 points last season, along with 6.5 rebounds.

Deng is one of the better defensive players in the league and would provide a huge upgrade for the Warriors on that side of the ball. 

He also plays a ton of minutes, as he averaged 39.4 minutes per game last season.

SLIM PICKINGS

If Golden State sticks with the seventh overall pick, they're not likely to get a player as good as Deng. The two top small forwards—Harrison Barnes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist—will be gone, and the other prospects who play the three aren't nearly as good.

Deng is only 27, so he still has a number of years left to be effective. 

EXPERIENCE:

Golden State is looking to get back into contention, so grabbing a player with playoff experience is smart.

Deng has a ton of experience in the playoffs. In this year's playoffs, he averaged 14 points and 8.3 rebounds.

He's played in 43 playoff games and would add a lot of experience and toughness to the roster.

FINAL SAY:

The Warriors should do what they can to make this deal happen. He fills a need, he's a good player and they won't get someone as good as Deng in the draft.