13 replies to this topic

[Michaelyumm]

He also was contacted by the olympiacos where josh childress just signed

http://www.hoopsworl...NBA#STORY_10748

The Bulls and Luol Deng's representative continue to negotiate and occasionally make progress toward a long-term extension, which is noteworthy considering this:

Deng could have been Josh Childress.

The former Hawks forward created headlines this week with his pioneering decision to leave the NBA for a three-year, roughly $20 million contract with the Greek club Olympiacos.

Sources said Olympiacos team officials first approached Deng through his agent, Jason Levien, to gauge the restricted free agent's interest in leaving the NBA. While no formal offer was made, one source said parameters far more lucrative than Childress' were discussed. Foreign teams are not bound by the NBA collective bargaining agreement's restrictions when a player's contract is up.

Levien has a relationship with Olympiacos officials after negotiating a three-year, $5 million contract with former Seattle SuperSonics draft pick Yotam Halperin. Citing Deng's desire to remain in the NBA, Levien declined.

Deng also has said he wants to remain with the Bulls, and negotiations remain cordial and professional. Proposals have been exchanged, with one source saying three-, four- and six-year deals still are being discussed.

[L4L]

Interesting... Very interesting.

Deng would have immediately been the best player in Europe. Unlike guys such as Childress, Garbo, and other guys who originally hail from Europe, Deng is NOT a mediocre player. He was a fringe star at points in 2005-2006. He is capable of being a key piece on a contender. This would have sent shock waves throughout the NBA.

[Weezy]

I agree L4L, right now it's just former European league players and Josh Childress going to Europe. If a serious talent goes over there what does it start to say about the NBA? I mean I'm already seeing a trend, like your thread on CL said, and this would be a HUGE step up in that trend, Deng is a guy that could be a star in the league. I understand these guys want money, but I also understand that NBA teams don't want to start overpaying for every freaking player out there.

[Tobias Fünke]

If this were to happen, i would hope Stern considers eliminating the cap.

The moment we start losing stars(deng is a sem-star)

will be the day stern finally considers it.

[L4L]

If this were to happen, i would hope Stern considers eliminating the cap.

The moment we start losing stars(deng is a sem-star)

will be the day stern finally considers it.

Or at least increasing the cap.

[Nirvana]

Luol Deng going to Europe would be a very very big deal. It would set off alarms all over the NBA because Deng is a top end NBA player. If Deng goes to Europe, I think it will start making other NBA players think, "Well if it's good enough for Deng, then it's good enough for me". I said it before in another thread, this isn't only about the money, they play for great fans, in a beautiful country, with beautiful people and there is less stress. I doubt Deng actually does go to Greece at the end of the day, but players going to Europe will still grow.

P.S. Deng, if you need Greek lessons, phone me up.

[Jaime Quintanilla]

When kids grow up they dream about playing in the NBA with stars such as Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, I doubt their dreams are to play in Europe with mediocre basketball players. Truth is, to these players that decided to move on it's more of a business to them than a life dream.

[Cookie]

wow, now a semi star is considering changing leagues
the nba needs to take the cap off and if the owner can pay then the owner can pay
no need for luxury tax

[Nirvana]

When kids grow up they dream about playing in the NBA with stars such as Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, I doubt their dreams are to play in Europe with mediocre basketball players. Truth is, to these players that decided to move on it's more of a business to them than a life dream.

I agree.

However, there are certain advantages of Europe as I mentioned a few posts above. Certain players are attracted to certain things.

[Cookie]

i dont think he will go
he is too good to go and plus i thought he liked to be challenge

and overseas he will get no challenge he will be the next michael jordan there

[Nirvana]

i dont think he will go
he is too good to go and plus i thought he liked to be challenge

and overseas he will get no challenge he will be the next michael jordan there

Some players may like that. There isn't the same pressure, they are viewed as gods. I'm from Cyprus man, I know, Greeks are VERY passionate people. They WILL treat you as gods, especially the women.

[Cookie]

eh.. still think he will stay but we just have to wait and see

[Nirvana]

eh.. still think he will stay but we just have to wait and see

He WILL stay in the NBA. Despite this, I still think that people underestimate the attractions the Euro leagues have to players.

[Cookie]

i wonder if Deng will sign a one year contract and threat the nba that they need to fix their salary cap issue