3. Luol Deng
Lost in the storm of the Kevin Durant/LeBron James headliner in free agent small forwards sits Luol Deng, one of the better two-way players in the NBA over the past decade. Deng doesn’t necessarily have a strength, but you also can’t really point out a weakness either. He can score, distribute, defend and slash at a high level, even at 31 years of age.
In the 2015-16 season, Deng averaged 12.3 points and six rebounds per game, and was vital in Miami’s pursuit of the third seed during the home stretch of the regular season.
His first round series against Charlotte can’t be overlooked either, and some could argue over seven games, Deng was the best player on the floor.
Straight to the point: Deng will not be cheap this offseason. Rumors are already swirling of a potential deal worth two years and roughly $24 million.
With Miami needing to retain Whiteside and Wade, and Kevin Durant’s situation not clear, it’s very possible we won’t see Deng in a Heat uniform next season.
Prediction: It’s 50/50… I don’t know.
Next: 2. Hassan Whiteside