Other teams have expressed interest in free agent forward Luol Deng, but he will likely sign with the Timberwolves this week, tweets Marc Stein of The New York Times.
Deng, who reached a buyout agreement with the Lakers on September 1, would rejoin his former coach, Tom Thibodeau, in Minnesota, along with several ex-Bulls teammates. The Wolves already have Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson and Derrick Rose, who all played with Deng in Chicago.
Deng met with Thibodeau on Sunday to discuss the possibility of a reunion. He had his best seasons with the Bulls, making a pair of All-Star appearances in 2011/12 and 2012/13.
The 33-year-old received one of the richest contracts of the 2016 offseason, signing with the Lakers for $72MM over four years. However, he had a mediocre first season in L.A., averaging 7.6 PPG in 56 games, then fell completely out of favor last year with just 13 minutes of playing time, all on opening night.
The Wolves have used most of their mid-level exception, but still have the full $3.382MM bi-annual exception if they want to offer Deng more than the veteran’s minimum. With just 12 guaranteed contracts, Minnesota has room on its roster for a couple of additions.
The Minnesota TimberBulls
Minny isn’t gonna do well this year with Thibs & the oldies from Chicago. Unless KAT has one of his amazing seasons they won’t make it to the playoffs.
This isn’t gonna end well.
Waste of a roster spot. Deng is a Thibodeau favorite and that’s the most important factor when the Wolves sign players now. Thibs is no longer able/willing to teach and coach players so he reverts to his previous players for security rather than invest in younger players with a lot more up side.
Would be funny if they lose to LBJ in the playoffs. History repeats.
He could probably play the villian position.
Can Thibs get it over with and call in Kirk Hinrich already? He’s a better Zipser and I’m sure Thibs tried to mold Zipser into Captain Kirk anyway. Might as well get the real thing.