Chicago Bulls Trade Luol Deng To Cavs For Andrew Bynum
Just hours after talks between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers stalled, the Cavs' front office has agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bulls that would send Andrew Bynum to the Windy City for Luol Deng. The Bulls will likely waive Bynum and his contract, but still acquire three future draft picks as part of the deal.
The Cavs, looking to end a three-year playoff drought, are attempting to make a run by acquiring Deng to shore up the small forward position. They parlayed Bynum's favorable contract into a piece to put next to young guards Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters.
"We have worked to acquire and maintain flexibility in order to capitalize on opportunities such as this," Cavs general manager Chris Grant said. "Luol reflects all that we are striving for in building our team. He's a tremendous defensive player that can impact the game on both ends of the court with a team-first mentality and is a high character leader."
Bynum is expected to clear waivers and become a free agent by the end of the week. Though he was suspended by the Cavs for one game for conduct detrimental to the team and excused from team activities, he is expected to be chased on the open market. The Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and the New York Knicks are among the teams expected to consider offering him a landing spot.
Image via: USA Today