The Chicago Bulls announced the signing of Luol Deng in an official press release that was issued on Thursday afternoon. However, the 15-year veteran then announced that he would be retiring with the team:
“We're very fortunate and humbled that Luol has chosen to retire as a Chicago Bull,” said President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Reinsdorf, via Bulls.com. “He was a role model on and off the court during his nine-plus years in Chicago, and he gave everything he had to help us win. I want to thank Luol for not only what he accomplished on the court for the team, but also for the leadership he demonstrated through his philanthropic efforts.”
Deng played for several teams throughout his career in the NBA, but most fans will remember his stint with the Bulls the most. Chicago selected the former Duke Blue Devil with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft after acquiring the pick from the Phoenix Suns. He went on to sign a contract extension with the Bulls for six years and $71 million before the start of the 2008-09 season. Following his initial tenure with the Bulls, Deng played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
At 6-9, Deng was a versatile player who could guard a variety of positions. He played in 902 games over the course of his career, racking up averages of 14.8 points on 45.6 percent shooting from the field (33.2 percent from beyond the arc), 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and a steal in 34.3 minutes per outing.
“To get drafted by the Bulls is an unbelievable feeling.”
…and it was an unbelievable 10 seasons, @LuolDeng9 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PlwywMxat7
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 17, 2019
In the end, it seems fitting that Deng retires as a member of the Bulls organization. Join us in wishing him the best.
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