Luol Deng Exercises Player Option to Remain with Heat for 2015-16 Season

Luol Deng has exercised player option to remain with the Miami Heat for the 2015-16 season, despite reports suggesting the forward would decline it to become an unrestricted free agent.

Herb Rudoy, Deng's agent, confirmed the decision via Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.

The news comes despite a report from ESPN.com's Marc Stein, who said the Heat expected Deng to opt out of his contract and join Dwyane Wade in free agency this summer.

Deng, 30, averaged 14.0 points and 5.2 rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game last season, appearing in 72 contests. He was a reliable option on the wing for Miami, providing scoring and stifling defense for the Heat. 

With Deng in the fold, retaining both Dragic and Wade at the top of the team's priority list this summer. While Deng is a capable complementary piece on a playoff contender, the Heat also drafted Justise Winslow at No. 10 overall in this year's draft, giving them options on the wing.

Deng sticks with a roster that could include a core made up of Chris Bosh, Hassan Whiteside, Dragic, Wade, and Winslow, one that would surely make the Heat a favorite to return to the postseason, especially in the weak Eastern Conference.