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Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau, formerly the
Chicago coach, traded for Jimmy Butler last year and also has
other ex-Bulls Taj Gibson, Derrick Rose and Jamal Crawford on
the roster. Now, multiple reports indicate Minnesota could be
the landing spot for Deng, recently waived by the Los Angeles
Lakers.
Deng and the Lakers reached an agreement on a contract buyout
Saturday. The 33-year-old Deng had two years left on a
four-year, $72 million pact he signed in 2016. The Lakers have
committed to a different direction under the leadership of Magic
Johnson, choosing to mix newly signed LeBron James with young
talent.
Deng played in the opening game of the 2017-18 season and didn't
play again. Waiving Deng helps to free salary cap space for the
Lakers, who could have as much as $38 million available for the
2019-20 season -- enough for to sign another player to a maximum
contract next summer.
A 14-year veteran, Deng has averaged 15.0 points and 6.1
rebounds per game with the Bulls, Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers. He
is a two-time All-Star.
--Field Level Media
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