Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrate during the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrate during the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves are that young team everybody is expecting to take a big step forward in 2016. Still, this is still a team that is being lead by two players who are not of the legal age to drink in the United States. Kevin Garnett is on the roster, and is mainly there as a veteran to help these young pups. Still, wouldn’t he love to see the help of Deng on and off the court.

Off the court, the Timberwolves also happened to sign Tom Thibodeau this off-season to be their head coach. While Deng was traded from the Chicago Bulls while on his watch, Deng and Thibodeau did spend three years together. They also still have a healthy relationship. In those three years, Deng made his only two All-Star game appearances.

On the court, Deng is a strong fit to play with this young core. Dang can play as a small forward or a stretch four. As a small forward, the Timberwolves can go big, put Andrew Wiggins at the two next to him and have length at every position. At the four he can play next to either Karl Anthony-Towns and Gorgui Dieng and give a faster, more shooter oriented front court.

With shooting talent in the front court, drivers such as Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn will see more space in the paint.

For a young team to not only add a piece that fits, but a piece that gels with the coach and has playoff experience is a huge plus. If the Timberwolves want to take that step forward they should be considering Deng. It should be a fit for both sides.

Next: 2. Portland Trailblazers

Home/Miami Heat