Miami Heat rumors: Luol Deng could bolt after a year

Luol Deng can opt out of his contract and leave the Miami Heat after the season Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Luol Deng can opt out of his contract and leave the Miami Heat after the season Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Luol Deng can opt out of his contract and leave the Miami Heat after the season

After LeBron James left for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat responded by signing perhaps the best small forward left on the market, Luol Deng. Luol Deng signed a two-year deal worth $20 but has the option to become a free agent following the 2014-2015 season.

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According to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel, Luol Deng is trying to increase his value and could bolt after one season with the Heat.

"Deng put the player option in his contract for a reason. And part of the reason is that free agency this summer perhaps did not meet his full expectations, based on the type of contract extension he had sought in Chicago, and then what his agent was talking about this summer. What matters with Deng is making him comfortable enough that he would want to stay, whether it be for next season or the expected massive makeover that would follow. I agree about Granger, that if he is anything close to his pre-injury self, he surely would want to opt out and upgrade his contract."

Luol Deng is still just 29 years old but was probably overworked with the Chicago Bulls and his body likely won’t ever be the same. That’s why no one should blame him if he tries to cash in next offseason.

With both the Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers last season, Luol Deng averaged 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 43.1% from the field, 30.2% from three and 79.1% from the charity stripe. Luol Deng has averaged 16.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 45.7% from the field, 32.9% from beyond the arc and 77.3% from the free throw line in his 10-year career.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we close in on the regular season.

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