Expensive rentals suck, which is why the Cleveland Cavaliers hope to be more than a means to a different ending for Luol Deng.
Cleveland traded Andrew Bynum’s contract and an assortment of draft picks to the Chicago Bulls for the two-time All-Star, in a deal announced by the Bulls themselves. That almost never happens. But whatever. Bynum was waived. Tank, tank, tank. Done. Over. Finished.
The Cavaliers are in a different situation, though. Their journey is only just beginning.
Deng will hit unrestricted free agency this summer, at which point he’ll have no shortage of suitors. And the Cavs are going to be one of them.
General manager Chris Grant cleared up any questions on the matter, saying that the Cavs see Deng as part of their future, according to The Plain Dealer‘s Mary Schmitt Boyer:
“We’re bringing him here and we’d like to keep him here long term,” Grant said of Deng, who may or may not arrive before tonight’s game against Philadelphia at The Q but likely will not play. “He’s 28 years old. We see him as part of our core and our youth moving forward. We’ll get through the season and get into those conversations at the appropriate time.”
Judging by the draft picks Cleveland forked over, Grant’s probably not lying. Not really sure why he would lie in the first place, since he has no incentive to fib, but you get the point.
Cleveland is now the proud owner of Deng’s bird rights, and can offer him a contract extension spanning three years before this summer or hand him a fat five-year deal in free agency. The latter scenario doesn’t seem all that likely. Deng is 28, and a young team like the Cavs won’t want to invest five years in an injury-prone forward, even if he’s a two-time All-Star.
Normally, I’d rule an extension out too, but I’m torn.
On the one hand, Deng figures to be one of the biggest names on the open market, if not the biggest. Once you get beyond Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, both of whom are likely to go nowhere, this summer’s free-agency class is categorically overrated. As one of the few attractive consolation prizes, Deng could be in line for a lucrative offer originating from a team who failed to land either of the previous big fish.
On the other hand, if Cleveland is willing to pony up the cash, he could sign an extension. Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that Deng turned down a three-year, $30-million extension from Chicago before being dealt, so if the Cavs meet his asking price—believed to be in the $12-14 million annually range—chances are he’ll put pen to paper immediately.
Yet, here’s the thing: Is this really what the Cavs want? Or rather, need?
Deng is a phenomenal player. One of the few who can make an impact on both ends. But he’s not LeBron. Remember him? The Cavs have positioned themselves for a free-agency coup that could culminate in King James’ return this summer. While unlikely, it’s always been possible. If not this summer, then maybe next, depending whether or not he opts in for another year with Miami or signs a brand-spanking new deal.
Inking Deng to a deal worth even $10 million annually, let alone more, kills that dream. Destroys it. And Deng won’t make the Cavs a contender. Not even next to Kyrie Irving. They may toil with a playoff berth, but they won’t go much further than that.
Not to say they should hold out hope for LeBron. This is merely an observation. If Deng stays, LeBron isn’t coming back. And the Cavs must know this, suggesting they could have a Plan B in mind.
Considering how this has all unfolded, and what Cleveland gave up, all signs point to us finding out exactly what Plan B is.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com.
