Heat's Deng opts in to last year of contract, to return for 2015-16
Miami Heat fans can look forward to seeing "The Man From Sudan" for at least one more year.
Luol Deng caught many by surprise by electing to opt in to the final year of his contract with the Heat, as reported by ESPN's Marc Stein on Monday.
OFFICIAL: Luol Deng has informed the @MiamiHEAT that he has opted into the 2015-16 season. pic.twitter.com/U0XUkec24L
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) June 29, 2015
This bodes well for the team since they face the possible reality of life after Dwyane Wade. Should Wade leave the team, having Deng back in the fold will soften the blow. Additionally, the Heat also have an insurance policy on the wing in the form of prized rookie Justise Winslow.
For Deng, however, this decision may prove to be a gamble - on himself. With the league's salary cap projected to rise significantly in 2016, Deng will have to stay healthy and perform at a high level in order to cash in big as an unrestricted free agent next summer.
in 2014-15, Deng averaged 14 points and 5.2 rebounds in 72 games - the most games he's played in a single season since 2012-13, his last full season with the Chicago Bulls.
The 30-year-old small forward will make $10.1 million for the 2015-16 season.