BULLS YET TO OFFER LUOL A CONTRACT
07/14/2008

LUOL Deng's hopes of signing a long-term £30 million-plus deal with the Chicago Bulls are fading.

The Great Britain star opened contract talks with his club over a new long-term deal last week but little progress has been made and the Bulls have yet to table a firm offer.

The 23-year-old GB forward insists, privately and publically, that his dream scenario would be to sign an extended contract with the only club of his pro career.

But early signs in talks between Bulls management and Deng's new agent Jason Levien have not been overly positive.

Levien said: "I'm not pessimistic yet, but I'm not optimistic.

"Some of our discussions have been fruitful and I think both sides would like to get a deal done.

"Luol is positive about where the Bulls are headed, he wants to be part of their future if it works out and the Bulls have indicated they want him to be part of that future.

"But I think there are some real hurdles to get over and some areas where we need to get a meetings of minds before we have an agreement. It remains uncertain as to whether that's possible."

Deng turned down a £25 million, five-year contract last summer in the hope of commanding a larger deal from Chicago or a rival club this year.

And his agent insists that Chicago remains his number one choice of destination.

He added: "I think part of that is Luol's determination to be part of a turnaround in Chicago.

"Part of it is feeling excited about the new coach and his team mates and, also, part of it is that he has not been exposed to any other teams.

"But there are other opportunities for Luol, it is just a question of the right fit because Lu is such a talented player and such a unique athlete and individual. It has to be the right fit.

"Part of the process is educating Luol about other situations."

The LA Clippers have new cap space, after the loss of Elton Brand to the Philadelphia 76ers, and have been linked with a possible move for Deng.

But the Brit is a restricted free agent, meaning the Bulls have the right to match any external offer he receives, and that may scare off firm interest from the Clippers.

Instead, the increasingly likely option is that Deng will sign a one-year "tender" with the Bulls - worth around £2.25 million - which will see him become an unrestricted free agent in 2009.

Ian Whittell for 24/7