Deng signs long term deal in different fashion

The Chicago Bulls were able to ink the 6-9, 23 year-old forward to a long term deal before he left for the Olympics.

Luol Deng signed a 6 year deal with the Bulls worth $71 million in guaranteed money, that could be worth up to $80. The Deng deal was done in a different way though as Gar Forman was responsible for the negotiations, director of player personnel, rather then John Paxson.

Jerry Reinsdorf really wanted to see Deng in a Bulls jersey for many years to come, and talks were getting slow and close to the deadline made my Deng’s party with Paxson. Signing a long term deal the season after being named team caption brings a lot of pressure and responsibility to Deng, something he believes he is prepared for.

“This brings a lot of responsibilities,” he said. “Those are responsibilities I’m looking forward to, on and off the court. I take basketball very seriously and I look forward to putting the team on my shoulders.”

Now that Deng is signed, the Bulls need to pursue inking guard Ben Gordon to a long term deal, or risk losing him following the 2009 season.