Deng expects return to Bulls: Ben Gordon and Luol Deng left Friday after player interviews with general manager John Paxson believing they will be back with the Bulls next season, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. Gordon and Deng, both of whom turned down five-year contract extensions worth $50 million last fall, will be restricted free agents July 1. "I didn't get any indication from Pax that I wasn't in the plans," Gordon said. "The organization knows what I'm capable of, so if they feel that I'm a piece that they need, they'll make the necessary moves." Deng also said he wants to remain with the team. Paxson likely will let both players solicit offer sheets from other teams that the Bulls would match. If they don't get offers they like, they could sign one-year qualifying contracts with the Bulls -- $6.4 million for Gordon and $4.4 million for Deng -- that would allow them to be unrestricted free agents after next season. (Updated 04/21/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/24/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Deng was second in scoring for the Bulls again, though his average dipped from 18.8 to 17.0. Deng missed time this season with an injured Achilles' tendon, but Deng came on strong to end the season. He will likely remain with the Bulls this year and try to become an unrestricted free agent the following year, which would increase his Fantasy value. Consider Deng a No. 3 Fantasy option in 2008-09 with the chance to see his value rise. (Updated 04/21/2008).
No information available at this time.
Deng expects return to Bulls: Ben Gordon and Luol Deng left Friday after player interviews with general manager John Paxson believing they will be back with the Bulls next season, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. Gordon and Deng, both of whom turned down five-year contract extensions worth $50 million last fall, will be restricted free agents July 1. "I didn't get any indication from Pax that I wasn't in the plans," Gordon said. "The organization knows what I'm capable of, so if they feel that I'm a piece that they need, they'll make the necessary moves." Deng also said he wants to remain with the team. Paxson likely will let both players solicit offer sheets from other teams that the Bulls would match. If they don't get offers they like, they could sign one-year qualifying contracts with the Bulls -- $6.4 million for Gordon and $4.4 million for Deng -- that would allow them to be unrestricted free agents after next season. (Updated 04/21/2008).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/24/08).
Fantasy Analysis
Deng was second in scoring for the Bulls again, though his average dipped from 18.8 to 17.0. Deng missed time this season with an injured Achilles' tendon, but Deng came on strong to end the season. He will likely remain with the Bulls this year and try to become an unrestricted free agent the following year, which would increase his Fantasy value. Consider Deng a No. 3 Fantasy option in 2008-09 with the chance to see his value rise. (Updated 04/21/2008).
