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Atlanta Hawks: Free Agency Rumors Begin

By Adam McGee

Feb 18, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luol Deng (9) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Cavaliers defeated the Sixers 114-85. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luol Deng (9) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Cavaliers defeated the Sixers 114-85. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luol Deng (9) runs during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 90-76. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luol Deng (9) runs during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 90-76. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Luol Deng

According to reports from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Hawks were among the first teams to contact Deng when free agency opened.

Luol Deng is one of the biggest names with a realistic chance of landing with the Hawks this summer. Deng is one of the more reputable small forwards in this year’s free agency class, and has skills that, on paper, look like a match with what Atlanta are trying to put together.

Deng has good size at 6’9″, and has long been known as a top class defender in the NBA. He’s also a capable shooter, with a reputation for being a true leader whose presence in the locker room can be invaluable.

The concerns with Deng have to center around his age and health. At 29 years of age, Deng’s numbers appear to be on a downward slope. Considering his recent injury history, and the heavy minutes that he logged under Tom Thibodeau’s Chicago Bulls, Atlanta should tread with caution in terms of what they’re prepared to offer Deng.

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