The Miami Heat’s Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have all opted out of their contracts and become free agents; combined with the departure of Udonis Haslem and with multiple contracts expiring, that leaves Miami with a single player from the 2013-14 season, Norris Cole, under contract for next year.
Luol Deng top target for Atlanta Hawks
That type of freedom may allow a complete “re-tooling” of the roster in such a way that it’d be silly for LeBron to look elsewhere. Rumor has it that James is seeking a max contract, but even if he gets it, the Heat are looking to make the role players better. That may start with Luol Deng, an idea fit at small forward that could increase the potency of the Heat’s small ball attack like never before.
According to Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Riley sees that fit and is pursuing it.
Miami's Pat Riley has called Luol Deng's reps and registered his significant interest, source tells Yahoo.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 1, 2014
In many ways, there isn’t a better fit on the free agent market for the Heat if they can get the Big 3 to return. While Deng isn’t the star that Carmelo Anthony is, he’s more than capable of manning the small forward position while letting James continue as a small ball power forward. Deng scored 16 points per game for the Bulls and Cavaliers last season, but his calling card is defense.
Dallas Mavericks possible landing spot for Deng?
Deng would ease the defensive burden of guarding scorers like Kevin Durant and Paul George all game night after night, something that many pointed to as part of Miami’s decline defensively this season. It isn’t likely Deng would command a max contract, so it is possible to bring back James, Wade, and Bosh, add Deng, and perhaps still chase a player like Toronto point guard Kyle Lowry.
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