The four-time NBA MVP has left the Miami Heat after losing this year's NBA finals against the San Antonio Spurs for the Cleveland Caveliers. And while his fans across are the globe are now torn between sorrow and victory, another question is who will 'replace' the nonpareil Lebron?
Miami is now eyeing two prospects: Luol Deng and Trevor Ariza.
With Chris Bosh back in Miami and Dwyane Wade up next, rival execs expecting Riley to make a run at Luol Deng or Trevor Ariza.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 11, 2014
Here's what you need to know about these players, thus, help you make the final judgment on who can really work things out for the Miami Heat next season:
Luol Deng jumped from Chicago Bulls to Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2013-14 season. He was able to score an impressive number of hoops during his reign in Chicago, even with absence of Derrick Rose. He scored 27 points in Bull's match against the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers; 6 rebounds in Piston's game, 11 assists in Cavs.
All in all, Deng made an average of 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game last season with the Bulls and Cavaliers.
Deng is also a skilled wing defender and this trait has supported efficient defense provided by Tom Thibodeau in Chicago. During the three straight seasons prior to last year's, he made an average of more than 38 minutes per game which is truly notable for it is precisely important to keep the top guys on the game for as long as possible.
However, getting Deng in the Miami Heat might be a bit challenging knowing that he has already turned down offers from other teams including the Atlanta Hawks. According to SB Nation, the player asks for a $12 million worth of contract per season, and Miami can only agree to this request if Wade is in a similar range.
Trevor Anthony Ariza on the other hand last played for the Washington Wizards, in which he was able to set a playoff career-high 30 points versus the Chicago Bulls, in addition to his 40-point record against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 29-year-old player averaged 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game during the last season. Like Deng, Ariza is also considered as one of the great wing defender.
When it comes to his shooting prowess, SB Nation says that what he has exhibited last season "was a far cry from his par levels of the previous four seasons, include the one previous in Washington."
His asking is also the same with Deng - roughly around $12 million. However, the Washington Wizards are reportedly courting him to re-sign, while he has shown some interest in signing up for the Dallas Mavericks.
Who among these two can somehow 'replace' James? Sound off in the comments section below!
