Could the “Timber-Bulls” be getting another member?
Minnesota is considered a possible destination for Luol Deng, who reached a buyout agreement with the Lakers today. Once he clears waivers, Deng could become the latest ex-Bull to reunite with Wolves coach/executive Tom Thibodeau, joining Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson and Derrick Rose. Free agent guard Aaron Brooks is another Thibodeau Bull who played for Minnesota last season.
Wolves management has been keeping an eye on Deng as the buyout process played out, along with another former Chicago player, Knicks center Joakim Noah, according to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News in Minneapolis. Today marked the first day that teams could lock in salaries for the 2018/19 season, meaning that the final year of Deng’s and Noah’s contracts could be stretched separately.
While Deng would certainly fit in with the Wolves, there are reports that several contending teams are interested in the two-time All-Star. The Rockets lost a pair of perimeter defenders to free agency this summer in Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute and might see Deng as a low-cost replacement. The Spurs have a history of getting the most out of veteran players, new Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak was responsible for signing Deng in L.A., and Deng’s name appeared on the infamous leaked photos of the Magic’s whiteboard that made their way to social media last year.
The main problem for anyone thinking about signing Deng is that he’s had virtually a year off from the game. Coach Luke Walton used Deng for 13 minutes in last year’s opener, then never put him into another game. Deng averaged 7.6 PPG and 5.3 RPG in his first season with the Lakers, and a year without wear and tear might be good for the 33-year-old, but no one knows for sure. He got a chance to show his skills in last month’s NBA Africa game and finished with 14 points, three steals and three rebounds.
We want to get your opinion on Deng’s future. Which team can offer him the best situation, or do you believe he’s too far past his prime to help anybody? Please leave your responses in the space below?
Minnesota should pick him up.
You mean Chicago-West?
Deng dude
He’s only 33 so I would not doubt a resurgence. Houston would appreciate his flexibility between SF/PF if Ennis or Melo does not fill the void of Ariza.
Could sign overseas and sign a deal after waiver period similar to other players during recent lockout to recoup lost money.
The real question is, why did you give away 7.5 million?
So that he could play. He already has plenty of money. You can only play the game for so long.
Plus he’ll get over 4 back just on minimum contract deals
I think he should go to Houston. But do they have the money for him?
Everyone has the money for him, as he’ll sign for the vet minimum.
Where he lands next is interesting. He didn’t like the year off and will be looking for minutes, and he will have a hard time finding them with a true contender. Does he want to play, or does he want to win?
I think Houston makes the most sense, and I would as a Spurs fan like to see him in San Antonio. That said, maybe he goes way off the chart with a team like the Knicks who could use him at the 4 until Zinger is back.
Guys, what about GSW? They were looking for a wing before they signed DMC. So he can defend, shoot & is a quality vet, seems to me the type of player that the Warriors would love to have on the roster.
Agree. Then rub some mud in Laker faces when puts on his Ring.
At this stage of his his career, last season’s “redshirt” was beneficial more than a detriment. Hell, a lot of players would love to have a paid year like that.
I think he can still be productive and agree that the GSW would be a great fit.
He is an international guy. Toronto would be a cool place for him to land. IMO My Money will be on Minnesota since Tina likes him.
sure, Toronto just needs somewhere to trade Kawhi to free up some minutes for Deng. Cool.
The Pelicans need wings and he could be a good fit there. They would need to waive one of their 20 guys on partial guarantees. They really only have E’twan Moore and Solomon Hill as wings and Hill may not even be healthy and Moore is like 6’4. If he doesn’t go to HOU the Pels could probably use him.
HOU, NOLA, DET, OKC, POR or Philly would be a good move just don’t go to MINNY