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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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Jun 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) defends during the first quarter in game four of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) controls the ball as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) defends during the first quarter in game four of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Golden State Warriors

All of the talk right now is centered around the Warriors going all out for Kevin Durant. It makes sense, Harrison Barnes is expected to see a max contract, why not tell him to kick rocks and grab Durant for similar money. However, it would be an upset to see the Warriors nab the super star, and it will probably have them looking for plan B.
Plan B may be Barnes. However, if the Warriors spend the first week of free agency pursuing Durant and miss, Barnes may have already moved on to another team. The Warriors could look to a few other options, Nic Batum, Chandler Parson or Kent Bazemore. They would also be looking to Deng at this point.

Deng is a strong fit for what they want. He is intelligent, experienced and definitely not selfish. He is a better defender to take on a LeBron James type, and may end up looking like a way to save money while upgrading from the unproven Harrison Barnes.

Deng is a Duke alumni, and has played in the playoffs in six of his ten NBA seasons. While Barnes may be younger and athletic, Deng has been in the high pressure situations longer. If the Warriors are looking for a wing to slide down to the four at times, defend James at times, and hit open threes, Deng should be a strong fit.

Next: 3. Minnesota Timberwolves

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