The Miami Heat are set to make a full-court blitz for free agent forward Luol Deng in the coming days as part of the dethroned champs needed roster “retooling” Pat Riley has espoused upon.
Riley and company are reported to be considering brokering a sign-and-trade deal for the veteran Cleveland Cavs forward that could land the All-Star front-liner in South Beach alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Deng is rumored to now be traveling in Europe and unavailable for face-to-face free-agent meetings of any kind, but whenever he’s ready to talk about his future the Heat are expected to be at the front of the line to listen and negotiate.
In addition to the 29-year-old Deng, the Heat are also rumored to be interested in Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, Utah forward Marvin Williams and Dallas forwards Vince Carter and Shawn Marion.
Miami brass are also rumored to have already arranged for Wade and Bosh to take significant pay cuts as part of a master plan that affords them the flexibility of more cap space to pursue the added likes of Washington’s Trevor Booker and Marcin Gortat, Oklahoma City’s Caron Butler and Golden State’s Steve Blake.
A 10-year veteran, Deng played his first nine seasons in Chicago, averaging nearly 16 points, six assists and three rebounds. Deng’s best full-season came with the Bulls in 2006-07 when he averaged 19 points, seven points, three assists, a steal and a block.
The Big 3 of James, Wade and Bosh are widely considered to be headed back to Miami and intent on building upon their run of four straight finals appearances and two NBA titles. While James is rumored to be seeking a maximum deal from the Heat to return, both Wade and Bosh are said to be willing to take significant pay cuts to preserve the Heat’s dynasty.
