Agent: Deng to become free agent after season
With contract talks stalled between forward Luol Deng and the Chicago Bulls, the two-time All-Star forward plans to test the free-agent waters after the 2013-14 season, his agent said Tuesday.
The Bulls told Deng that they will wait until after this season to discuss a contract extension. Deng's six-year, $71 million contract expires next summer.
"Luol has taken the position that he will definitely go through the free-agent process," Deng's Chicago-based agent, Herb Rudoy, told the Chicago Tribune.
Among the potential free agents in 2014 are LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bogut, Zach Randolph and Danny Granger.
Rudoy was surprised the Bulls ended contract talks before training camp.
"I thought they would enter negotiations," he said.
The Bulls have said they plan to attempt to keep Deng.
The 28-year-old Deng has shown durability with the Bulls, but he missed the playoffs this season after becoming ill. In 75 regular-season games in 2012-13, Deng averaged 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds, consistent with his career averages of 16 points and 6.4 rebounds.
