Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2016: 5 targets for Toronto Raptors

By Brad Weiss

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 25: We the North couldn't get it done tonight in the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls at the Air Canada Centre. (David Cooper/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 25: We the North couldn't get it done tonight in the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls at the Air Canada Centre. (David Cooper/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 05: Luol Deng #9 of the Miami Heat in action during the game against the Detroit Pistons at the American Airlines Arena on April 5, 2016 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 05: Luol Deng #9 of the Miami Heat in action during the game against the Detroit Pistons at the American Airlines Arena on April 5, 2016 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

. SF. Miami Heat. Luol Deng. 4. player. 110

Deng had a pretty disappointing season for the Miami Heat this past season, averaging only 12.3 points per game, which was his lowest total since his rookie season as a member of the Chicago Bulls. However, he still averaged six rebounds per contest, and played really well in the playoffs, nearly leading the Heat past the Raptors in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

If Deng were to head North, he would have to take a pay cut, which may be worth it to the 31-year old. There is no telling how many years he has left in the league, and with how he performed during the regular season last year, he may want to join a team where he can win now. He would be an instant upgrade to the rotation of power forwards the Raptors have now.

The Raptors may be able to swing it because Deng has made decisions that were not based on money in the past. For the past two years he has taken less money to stay with the Miami Heat, and the Raptors have moved past the Heat as the second best team in the Eastern Conference.

“A lot of teams out there can offer you a lot of money, but the feel might not be the same,” Deng told Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post earlier this month. “And there could be teams in a situation where they can’t actually give you what the other team can, but they’ve got a lot of other things they can support you with.”

Sounds as if he is speaking about the Raptors and not the Heat.

Next: 3. Jamal Crawford

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