The Phoenix Suns will reportedly pursue a veteran in the coming days before the deadline, and reports indicated that Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luol Deng is on top of their wish list.
The Suns have been looking to upgrade their wingman rotation this season in hopes of improving their playoff chances. Acquiring Deng looks feasible because the Cavaliers are reportedly willing to the trade Deng, who was acquired by the Cavs last month in a trade with the Chicago Bulls.
But acquiring Deng will not be like a walk in the part for the Suns because the Cavaliers could create a bidding war for the All-Star forward.
Basketball Insiders reported that the aside from the Suns, the Charlotte Bobcats, Washington Wizards, and the Detroit Pistons are also expected to make a strong push for Deng.
"Because there are very few All-Star caliber players available at this year's deadline, the Cavaliers may be able to create a bidding war for Deng's services. He would be an upgrade for the Suns, Bobcats, Wizards and Pistons at the small forward position," Basketball Insiders noted.
Deng has been struggling since being dealt to the Cavaliers, averaging just 14.6 points on 41.7 percent shooting from the field. In 23 games with the Bulls, Deng posted 19.0 points on 45.2 percent clip from the field, while also tallying 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
But despite the recent struggles, Deng is tipped to provide additional depth to the Suns, who are on pace to make the playoffs this season after a surprising performance this year.
"As a strong veteran, he'd likely be able to help each of those teams on and off the court. While his numbers have been slightly down in Cleveland, it doesn't mean he wouldn't return to form in a better situation," Basketball Insiders noted.
The Suns are holding onto the seventh spot in Western Conference standings with their 30-21 record. Suns general manager Ryan McDonough previously hinted that they will make moves as long as they are on pace to have a post-season stint.
The Suns have attractive assets to entice the Cavaliers to trade Deng with sources saying that they are willing to trade one of the four possible first-round picks in the 2014 NBA Draft, while also giving up the expiring contract of Emeka Okafor to make the deal work.
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