Luol Deng rumors: Houston Rockets contact forward
By Bryan Rose
The Houston Rockets have been looking for a star to place alongside both James Harden and Dwight Howard, however their pursuit of both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony has apparently fallen short. That doesn’t mean they’re hanging their heads however as according to Sam Amick, the Rockets have reached out to free agent Luol Deng.
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Rumors had linked the Rockets to Chris Bosh in recent days, however general manager Daryl Morey is worried that the big man may return to the Miami Heat and decided to reach out to the small forward today.
Luol Deng, who was traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers last season has drawn heavy interest from a handful of teams in recent days, though may have turned some off with his alleged price tag which is said to be around $12 million dollars a season. It’s understandable why Luol Deng would ask for that kind of coin considering some of the ludicrous contracts that marginal players have signed during the offseason, but at $12 million a season you’re breaking the bank for a borderline star.
The interest in Luol Deng may also shed some light on the Chandler Parsons situation as both players play the same position and there have been rumors suggesting that the Dallas Mavericks are ‘determined’ to sign the restricted free agent.
Of course, if Deng is to sign for his commanded price, it’s very possible the Rockets could re-sign Parsons at a more reasonable price though Deng’s two-way talent may be of more intrigue given the defensive deficiencies of James Harden.