The Miami Heat continued to try and improve their roster on Saturday when team president Pat Riley met with Luol Deng according to a report by ESPN.
Deng who finished the 2013-14 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers is a small forward and would likely need to take a reduced salary to sign with the Heat. The draw of joining the four-time Eastern Conference champions is something that can be attractive to free agents however.
The report does go on to mention that Deng is believed to want to sign for near his market value and would not be interested in a big discount just to join Miami. It remains to be seen how much the Heat are able to offer Deng and other free agents.
The meeting which was described as preliminary could end up being the only discussion takes place between Deng and the Heat. It's very possible that one of the other suitors interested in Deng can offer more money and a chance at an NBA Championship.
In his 10-year career, Deng played for the Chicago Bulls mostly before coming to Cleveland in a trade this past January. He's a two-time All-Star with the last appearance coming in 2013. Things didn't go so well for Deng but it the 29-year old should still have something left in the tank and could help a team like Miami.
The Heat also need to sort out the situation with LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade. All three members of the "Big Three" previously opted out of their contracts with the Heat and are currently unrestricted free agents. Until the Heat finalize plans in regards to the trio, Riley's hands are tied in what he can offer Deng and other players on the market.
