Luol Deng will retire from the NBA after 15 seasons, according to a press release from the Bulls. Deng signed with the team today so he could announce his retirement with the organization where he had the most success. Chicago waived Perrion Callandret to create room for the signing.
“We’re very fortunate and humbled that Luol has chosen to retire as a Chicago Bull,” said President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Reinsdorf. “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 spent 10 years with the Bulls after being selected with the seventh pick in the 2004 draft. He also spent time with the Cavaliers, Heat, Lakers and Timberwolves, averaging 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 902 career games.
He remained productive in Cleveland and Miami, but his career hit a roadblock after signing a four-year, $72MM contract with the Lakers in 2016. He played just one game during the second season of that deal and was waived during the following offseason.
Deng ended his career last season in Minnesota, averaging 7.1 points and 2.4 rebounds in 22 games.
Thanks for everything, Lu! The world needs more people like you. Always a Bull!
Imagine being the guy who was waived just so someone can retire
Lol that’s what i thought too
They carry extra guys for preseason. Callandret would have met same fate tomorrow anyway.
He was a productive player in his prime and a good citizen.
Lakers stretched him, so he gets paid for this season and one more at least as I remember… Not bad, should cover the groceries for the year. Lakers never gave him a real chance considering the cash they pumped out I never really understood them just sitting him without any play time. Did he steal a team mates wallet or make the moves on J Buss?