Luol Deng was one of the most promising players 2 years ago in Chicago, 19 points and 7 boards per game, and most people thought that he would be an all-star the next season. He was still only 21, and had room for improvement. He was hurt a little bit the next season, and still managed to average 17 points and 6 boards 3.7 minutes less per game (33.8). This was considered disappointing just because of how high his expectations were. Well, this season, he isn't helping his case much, as he is averaging only 14 points, 5 boards per game still playing 33.8 MPG. This is just after he signed a huge 6 year $71 million dollar contract. I'd say that he is not playing as good as his contract suggests! However, he is still only 23 years old, and can still improve.
While I may not be completely accurate, my hunch is that the Bulls feel like Deng should be a franchise player (right next to Rose), but Deng just isn't good enough to be that guy. He receives many double teams now that teams scout him better, and send double teams after him. He then forces up bad shots, which not only hurt his FG%, but his confidence. When playing next to LeBron (and Delonte, Mo, Z, and the crew) he will receive much less if any double teams per game. This will free him up to play his game. His game is driving to the hoop, posting up, hustle, and finding the open spot (he has a great mid-range game). It will be much easier for him to do so playing with the Cavs.
Munch from ESPN radio (850) said over the off-season that the Cavs were interested in Deng over the off-season. I'm not sure if they still are, but they definately could be. Over the off-season, though, Deng was still very valuable to the team, so Chicago wanted a lot. The Cavs weren't willing to give up all the the Bulls wanted. But now? Now Bulls fans are tired of Deng, and don't see him being able to thrive on the Bulls current team. They say the every player on their roster (besides Derrick Rose, of course) is available for trade. I know it is just fans, but atleast 90% of their fans (who belong to forums all over the web) feel that way, so there is a good chance management does, too. Mind as well trade now while Deng's stock is low.
Personally, I think that the 6'9" SF-PF would be a great addition to the team, and would easily go after him hard if it weren't for his large contract. He has a great mid-range game, great basketball IQ, hustles, and is a nice post up player. He wouldn't face double teams, like I mentioned above, and could be another one of LeBrons' second banana's. It wouldn't be a Cavs Big Three, but more of a Cavs Fab Four of Mo, LeBron, Luol, and Z. Doesn't sound too bad. Deng is a very respectable defensive player as well, as he was ranked #10 in Defensive Ratings in the 06-07 season with a rating of 45.9 (SOURCE). With Deng, the Cavs could have many more options for line-ups, as they can put him at PF, LBJ at SF (or vice-versa), or him at SF with Bron at SG (and of-course, fillers in the other 3 spots).
As for a deal that would work for him, you need to look at needs for both teams. Chicago is in desperate need for a big, and I'm sure would be thrilled to unload Deng's contract. Andy for Deng doesn't work out, and since Deng is a BYC (By Year Compensation). A deal that I thought of, which does work, is Andy, Snow, and a pick for Deng, along with Aaron Gray, Tyrus Thomas, and Thabo Sefolasha (who are fillers, but Chicago fans have given up on them). We trade Andy when is value is at it's peak, for Deng who's value is at its low. Talent-wise we win this deal, even though we get 3 busts, it is basically Andy and a filler for Deng and fillers. Would I do this? Probably, since it has potential to make us a dynasty, and it can make us nothing but better. However, it is the risk of the size and length of Deng's contract which would make Ferry think long and hard before making this deal. If we do end up winning a championship, though, it would have been worth it, and LeBron would likely re-sign with the Cavs if we do win a 'ship. The Bulls would get a great defensive big, who is an improving offensive player, an expiring contract, a pick, and unload Deng's large contract. However, giving up Andy may be too much for the organization, but a three-way deal in which the Cavs trade Wally to another team who trades a player to the Bulls, and the Bulls give us Deng would be in our best interest.
Depth (if we trade Szczerbiak, and get Deng in a three-way):
Mo Williams/Daniel Gibson/Delonte West
Delonte West/Daniel Gibson/Sasha Pavlovic
LeBron James/Luol Deng/Sasha Pavlovic
Ben Wallace/Luol Deng/LeBron James/JJ Hickson/Darnell Jackson
Zydrunas Ilgauskas/Anderson Varejao/Ben Wallace/Darnell Jackson
Here are Deng's stats over his 4.33 year career (courtesy of NBA.com):
Super-star in the making:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHJam7y7jCU
Well Cavs fans, what do you say? Do you want to risk taking on Luol Dengs contract for a much improved chance for a championship, and a potential dynasty? Even I am not completely sure I am, and we'll see how it plays out, but I'm pretty sure I would risk this. Ferry would need to do a lot of research and make sure everything is cool with LeBron, and the staff first, though. Thoughts?
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