Luol Deng
Jan 24, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luol Deng (9) against the Milwaukee Bucks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
After nine and a half seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng could be traded twice in 2014. Traded players cannot be bundled with any others within 60 days of the initial trade, so the Cleveland Cavaliers (who acquired Deng on January 6th) could look to ship him out on his lonesome. There is almost no chance that Deng will re-sign with the Cavs when his contract expires this year unless they offer him a loaded five year deal. That being said, I wouldn’t be entirely surprised if Cleveland let him walk and batted their eyelashes at LeBron James in free agency.
Still, if they think they can cash in their rental at the deadline, they will. Even Portland has been mentioned as a potential destination in a deal for Nicolas Batum (interesting to ponder, but definitely not happening). The Detroit Pistons seem the most likely location, since they have the pieces to move and require a veteran presence; especially after firing head coach Maurice Cheeks earlier this week. I’d personally say there’s about a 30% chance Deng gets moved, but that’s enough to keep an eye out.
Other players at the heart of NBA trade rumors include:
- Kyle Lowry
- Iman Shumpert
- Rajon Rondo (doubtful)
- Zach Randolph (doubtful)
- Greg Monroe