With Derrick Rose out for the season with a torn meniscus, the Chicago Bulls have slumped to a 9-16 record despite playing in a poor Eastern Conference featuring just three clubs above .500.
The Los Angeles Lakers just lost their own returning star, Kobe Bryant, to a knee fracture that will sideline him for the next six weeks at least. With Los Angeles likely seeking offense in Kobe's absence, and a window for Chicago to possibly nab a high pick in a loaded draft to supplement Rose when he returns, a Luol Deng deal may be able to be made.
Deng has been a frequent subject of trade rumors, and admitted recently that playing elsewhere is something he's considered. "I'm human, so every now and then, it crosses your mind," the forward said of his impending free agency.
Deng's response to a question about possibly bolting to L.A. was telling. "When the summer comes, I can probably answer that," Deng told Hoopsworld.com. "To be honest with you I've done my best - I've been in a contract situation before when I was young and it affected me. This year, during the summer, I told myself that no matter what, I'm just going to be in the gym working."
Perhaps the Bulls would like to receive something in return for Deng, rather than losing him for nothing. Chicago has several moveable pieces; for instance a Deng and Taj Gibson for Pau Gasol trade works financially if the Bulls feel that tanking is not an option. That deal would enlarge Chicago's frontcourt, while freeing Gasol from an unhappy marriage with Mike D'Antoni.
Currently Deng is having the best season of his career at age 28, posting a team-high 17 points per game to go with seven rebounds and 4.1 assists. He also is a valuable defensive asset, averaging a steal a night and possessing the size and athleticism to match up with elite wing players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
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