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Luol Deng hasn’t decided if he’ll return to Miami Heat next season

By Nathaniel Reeves

Mar 29, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) dribbles the ball as Detroit Pistons forward Anthony Tolliver (43) defends in the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) dribbles the ball as Detroit Pistons forward Anthony Tolliver (43) defends in the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Heat forward Luol Deng has a $10.1 million player option for next season but doesn’t know if he’ll exercise it.

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Miami Heat forward Luol Deng has yet to put much thought into a decision to opt out or remain with the team in 2015-16, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

Deng has a $10.1 million player option for next season, the final year of a rather friendly two-year deal with Miami. Jackson noted that Deng is a long way from making a final decision, but likes it in Miami.

Even if Deng has to put some thought into the decision over the coming, most expect him to return to the Heat next year. Exercising that option would be a benefit to both sides.

Deng is averaging 14.2 points and five rebounds per game with a PER of 15.84 in his first season with Miami. He’s also an excellent defender and there’s no doubt that Deng makes Miami a better team when he’s on the court, both this year and next.

It’s unlikely that Deng would be able to secure a long-term deal or receive a pay raise elsewhere, giving him little reason to opt out. While his production may warrant a multiyear deal, teams have to be concerned about the wear and tear on his body.

Deng has started 66 games this season, but has had to battle through neck, thigh, knee and leg injuries to do so. Averaging 38.5 minutes per game between 2009 and mid-2014 with the Chicago Bulls likely didn’t help Deng’s longevity or ability to prevent injury.

So a multiyear deal may not be of interest to other teams. Still, the Heat need Deng for next season and will have the pieces to contend in the East.

If Deng were to opt out, the Heat would likely have to swing a trade for a small forward, as their salary cap situation would only allow them to sign middling free agents. With or without Deng, the Heat will be over the projected salary cap, unless Goran Dragic unexpectedly doesn’t re-sign.

Moving Mario Chalmers $4.3 million contract could be the first step to sorting out Miami’s cap issues next season.

With Deng back next season, the Heat will get another chance at the roster they were going for this season before injuries hit. A core of Dwayne Waade, Chris Bosh, Deng a healthy Josh McRoberts, plus an emergent Hassan Whiteside and Dragic can compete with anyone.

There’s major risk there, but if everything goes right the Heat can contend in the East. If Deng leaves, it would create a serious hole with no clear solution.

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