Winderman: Would Not Be Surprised if Deng Opts Out
With Luol Deng holding a player-option to return to the Miami Heat next season at $10.2 million, the Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman wonders whether the Heat wing's best option is to opt out this summer.
"I do wonder about Lou," Winderman said on the Joe Rose Show on WQAM. "Most people were thinking he'll play the two years out here, see how it works out, and then go into the big 2016 offseason looking for his one big payoff with all that television money coming in. I wonder with Lou and the injuries he had this past season, whether he doesn't say, hey I'm in my 30s now this may be my last contract. I would not be surprised if he opts out. I think that could put the pressure on the Heat."
If Deng does opt out and doesn't return on a new deal, Miami would have merely "midlevel money" to replace him in the starting lineup, as Winderman notes.
Deng averaged 14.0 points and 5.2 rebounds in 72 games last season with a 46-36-76 shooting split (FG/3FG/FT). His PER of 15.6 ranked 128th in the NBA.
Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic also have player-options.
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