Contract extension talks between Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng and team officials have hit a snag, according to ProBasketballTalk.com
The two sides began preliminary talks on a new deal earlier this summer, at which time the Bulls seemed more than eager to have the franchise's longest-tenured player again under extended contract. A 10-year veteran, Deng is scheduled to earn $14.3 million this season on the last year of his deal.
"We were optimistic," a source close to Deng told ProBasketballTalk of a late August meeting the two sides once targeted as a golden opportunity for reaching accord. "Our goal was to get an extension done this summer. If that's not what they want to do now, so be it."
Management's apparent change-of-heart has left some league insiders wondering if the Bulls long term commitment to Deng has now changed. Some are even speculating the team may now be pursuing a plan that could let Deng walk after the season, see Carlos Boozer amnestied, and a top-tier free agent pursued as the third piece to pair with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah.
Around the league, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay and Danny Granger could all be free agents next summer.
Deng averaged 16.5 points and 6.5 rebounds a game last season, but missed part of the playoffs recovering from a life-threatening ailment following a spinal tap.
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