Forward Luol Deng is being openly shopped by the Cleveland Cavaliers, as ESPN first reported Wednesday, but Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Deng is set on becoming a free agent this offseason, when he is likely to garner more than $10 million annually as a free agent. That Deng won't sign a long-term deal with any team means the Cavs are unlikely to find any takers for the veteran before the Thursday trade deadline.
NBA trade rumors: Luol Deng’s push to enter free agency hurting value
The Cleveland Cavaliers forward doesn’t want to sign a long-term extension with any team, making his expiring contract hard to trade.
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Wojnarowski reports that the Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons have inquired about Deng leading into the deadline.
Deng was dealt to Cleveland on Jan. 7 as the Cavs shed Andrew Bynum, and though he's rumored to be wanting to leave, it seems more opportunistic for the forward to join a team on his own terms this offseason. That said, he could sign a maximum length five-year contract with only Cleveland, which owns his Bird Rights.
The Cavs fired general manager Chris Grant weeks ago, and under interim GM David Griffin will look at their trade options involving Deng, who is averaging 17.1 points and 6.0 rebounds this season.
As ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks could provide exceptional landing spots for Deng once he hits free agency. Both have the cap space to sign him this offseason.
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