The news of Luol Deng choosing to stay in Miami comes as a big surprise. Reports had came out that he would be opting out with teammate Dwayne Wade before free agency started. His agent has now told media outlets that the veteran small forward will return to the Heat next season.
Luol Deng’s agent Herb Rudoy says his client is staying with the Heat for the 2015-16 season. “He opted in 2 minutes ago,” Rudoy said.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) June 29, 2015
This comes as great news to the Heat fan base. They now have some veteran leadership on this squad along with veteran big man Chris Bosh. They are in very serious danger of losing Dwayne Wade to free agency this summer so having Deng back will provide them with some depth at the three position. He has lost his luster of the lock-down defender that he was in his prime, but 14 points per game and 35% from three point land is something you don’t want to lose.
For the steal of the draft, Justise Winslow, he has probably lost his chance at a starting position this season. He is a small forward that would’ve probably become the day one starter if Deng were to opt out. Instead, he will have to learn under the wing of Deng. Winslow joins two other Duke University alums in Deng and Josh McRoberts, which could help make the transition that much easier.
