Luol Deng Opts In, Will Remain With Heat
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Amid reports that Miami Heat small forward Luol Deng would opt out of his contract and become a free agent, it appears that the 30-year-old has other plans.
According to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald, Deng will opt in to his 2015-16 contract with the Heat which will pay him $10.1 million.
OK, big news. Luol Deng has opted in, according to agent Herb Rudoy.
— Joseph Goodman, Sports Donk ???????? (@JoeGoodmanJr) June 29, 2015
The news was confirmed by Deng's agent Herb Rudoy.
Last season with the Heat Deng averaged 14.0 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 46.9% from the field, his best shooting season since 2007-08. He also started in all 72 games that he appeared in.
Players have until Monday at midnight to opt in or they will become a free agent.
With Deng accepting his player option for next season, the Heat now know who their starting small forward will be. It also gives rookie first-round pick Justise Winslow a mentor to learn from during his first season as a professional.
Deng, Winslow and James Ennis round out the Heat's options at small forward.
Miami must now wait and see if Dwyane Wade follows suit, but he is expected to opt out and test the free agent waters.
Follow David on Twitter (@DavidDwork)