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NBA Free Agency: 5 best fits for Luol Deng

By Parker Hurley

Apr 10, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) reacts after drawing a foul during the first half against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) reacts after drawing a foul during the first half against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) and guard Dwyane Wade (3) share a conversation on the court against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Heat defeated the Knicks 86-79. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Miami Heat forward Luol Deng (9) and guard Dwyane Wade (3) share a conversation on the court against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Heat defeated the Knicks 86-79. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Miami Heat

The Heat would still hate to see Deng leave. They are heading into an off-season with a ton of questions as Hassan Whiteside, Joe Johnson, Amar’e Stoudemire and Dwyane Wade are all free agents alongside Deng. Last year, the Heat realized that they may not have been deep enough to compete with the roster as it is. Gerald Green and Dorrell Wright join the group as lower end players who will also be free agents in Miami. These two are important specifically to Deng because they share a similar position.The Heat have Justise Winslow signed, but they know they need to retain some of these wings assets this summer.

Deng is a nice fit because of his defense. In the Eastern Conference the goal every year has to be to beat LeBron James. The easiest way to beat James is to throw multiple athletic bodies at him and try to wear him down and force him to take jump shots. Whether Johnson, Green, and Wright are to return or not, by bringing back Deng the Heat now have two wings who can defend James. Winslow and Deng can play beside each other and can spell each other giving them rest to take on James.

With questions hovering over Chris Bosh and his health, the ability for Deng to play the power forward position may be very important to the Heat this year. Given that he has already fit on this team and has a role carved out for himself it is an obvious fit. Given the Heat’s need for wing play, he will be a significant piece for the Heat to bring back, and they may have to go above market value to make sure he is back.

Next: 4. Golden State Warriors

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