The Chicago Bulls reportedly discussed the possibility of trading Luol Deng for Cleveland Cavaliers center Andrew Bynum. Although Chicago has previously denied any intent to trade Deng, acquiring Bynum would ultimately save money for the future, ESPN reports.
Deng, who's in the final year of his contract, has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the season after the loss of Derrick Rose and the team's early-season struggles. An ESPN report earlier in December said the Bulls weren't interested in trading Deng despite the looming luxury tax.
A report from ESPN on Tuesday, however, claims Chicago recently discussed the possibility of trading the forward. Chicago is enticed by trading for Bynum and then waiving the All-Star center before the Jan. 7 deadline in his contract; doing so would allow the team not to pay the second half of Bynum's $12.25 million salary, saving them money in the long-run.
"(The Cavaliers) had separate discussions with the Chicago Bulls on a Bynum trade for Luol Deng, according to sources," ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne wrote on Tuesday. "The Bulls are in a similar position as the Lakers, about $8 million into the luxury tax and dealing with an injury-marred season.
"Deng, like (Pau) Gasol, is a free agent-to-be, and such a trade-and-waive deal with Bynum also could save the Bulls in excess of $20 million in salary and taxes this season."
No trade appears imminent. Although Deng becomes a free agent after the season, the Bulls are reportedly confident they can re-sign the two-time NBA All-Star.
Cleveland also discussed a similar deal with the Los Angeles Lakers for Gasol.
