Luol

Deng

The Lakers attempted to prove that an injury that Deng suffered while with the team prevents him from playing competitive basketball, but the strategy failed. A big issue was the fact that Deng played in 22 games for the Timberwolves during the 2018-19 season, after his time with the Lakers had concluded. Deng is owed his salary for the next two seasons, which will be a $5 million cap hit for the Lakers.

The Bulls open their season tonight, with a probable lineup of Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon in the backcourt, Andres Nocioni at small forward, and Tyson Chandler and Othella Harrington in the middle. Given Gordon’s poor preseason and Deng’s strong one, this is a bit of a surprise. Harrington is only starting while Eddy Curry and his backup Antonio Davis serve two-game suspensions.

Coach Scott Skiles says he needs Deng’s scoring punch and level headedness coming off the bench. The Bulls are winless, and if Skiles isn’t willing to give Deng a starting role now to shake things up, he probably won’t as long as he’s in charge.

Ben Gordon is hot, but Chris Duhon’s turnovers have increased, Luol Deng looked lost in Tuesday’s loss, and Andres Nocioni has continued the up-and-down nature of his rookie season, prompting Skiles to say, “One thing we’re trying to impress upon our rookies is how fortunate they are to even get to play. Utah has two rookies they drafted high (Kris Humphries and Kirk Snyder) who barely see the light of day. We play ours, so they need to take advantage of their minutes. There’s no question that at some point, things could swing back and we could start playing our veterans more.” The threat is likely empty, and the words (supposedly) motivational.

Deng had the best years of his career playing for Tom Thibodeau on a gritty Chicago Bulls team, and he earned two straight All-Star selections from 2011-2013, but Thibs ran him into the ground with massive minutes and he was never the same player again after his Chicago days. Still, he has fond memories of wearing the Red and Black and will sign a non-guaranteed deal to officially retire with the Bulls.

Yeah, he hasn’t played since February, so why the Wolves haven’t just officially ruled him out for the year is beyond us. Continue ignoring him as you would.

We’d be shocked if he returned this season. If he does, there’s no need to scroll to page 76 of your waiver wire to add him.

Deng likely won’t take the floor again this season, so he’s safe to leave on waivers in all formats.

Deng could be out for the season, and the Wolves are likely going to play their young guys more anyway.

Deng was initially listed as doubtful on the injury report but was downgraded to out Tuesday afternoon. He’s been sidelined since the final day of February and should remain on waivers.