The Chicago Bulls announced today that the team has re-signed forward Luol Deng to a multi-year extension. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“Signing Luol has always been a priority for this organization and we have always felt that he was a big part of our future. We are very happy that Luol will now be with us long term as we continue to grow as an organization,” said Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson.
Last season, Deng (6-9, 220) averaged 17.0 ppg (second on the team), 6.4 rpg and 2.5 apg in 33.8 mpg, while shooting .479 from the floor, including a career-best .364 from three-point range, and .770 from the free throw line. Set to begin his fifth season in the NBA, the 23-year-old Deng holds career averages of 15.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 0.96 spg, 33.3 mpg and shooting averages of .480 from the field and .763 from the line.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this organization for the long term. Chicago is where I have always wanted to be,” said Deng. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the court with my teammates and helping this team get back to the playoffs.”
Originally drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the first round (seventh overall) of NBA Draft 2004, the Bulls acquired Deng’s draft rights in a draft-night deal for a future conditional first-round draft pick, the draft rights to Jackson Vroman (31st overall pick in NBA Draft 2004) and cash considerations.