I’m sure he is, Luol will be in L.A. by July.
In an interview with Yahoo Sports, Deng says he’s open to discussing a contract extension with the Cavaliers, but he’s also aware that they might be pushed to the back burner while the organizations tries to pursue LeBron James if he opts out.
“He’s a great player, why wouldn’t you look at him?” Deng told Yahoo Sports. “If he wants to come back home, that’s great for him and great for this organization. He’s a great player. Why not?
“I’m all right with that. I’m here to do what I can do and be Luol Deng. I don’t really worry about it. I don’t have the mindset that I can control what everyone else thinks. I just do what I can do and try to be the best at what I do.”
The Cavaliers acquired Deng in a trade from the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 7 for center Andrew Bynum and three draft picks. Bynum was subsequently waived by the Bulls. who was waived, and three draft picks.
If Deng isn’t signed to a contract extension by June 30, he will become an unrestricted free agent this summer for the first time in his career.
The Cavaliers are interested in keeping Deng long-term, and Deng himself says he’s open to the idea.
“I’m very open to sit down to talk,” Deng said. “At the same time, I’m OK with waiting until the summer.”
I’ll take a wait and see approach to this one. Well see how committed to Cleveland Deng really is when the Lakers come calling.