Sam Amick

USA TODAY Sports

While free agent small forward Luol Deng isn't expected to visit with interested teams until next week, the Atlanta Hawks appear to be making an early pitch.

According to a person with knowledge of the situation, Deng was expected to speak with Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer about the possible partnership on Thursday night. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the talks.

The Hawks are slated to have about $11.5 million in salary cap room once the free agency moratorium lifts on July 10. Their recent agreement with former Oklahoma City Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha on a four-year, $12 million deal appears to have helped their efforts to land Deng. The two players were together with the Chicago Bulls from 2006 to 2009 and had a very good relationship. The same goes for Hawks sharpshooter Kyle Korver, who was with Deng in Chicago from 2010 to 2012. Deng spent his first nine seasons in Chicago before he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in January.



Still, Deng — who is seeking a salary of about $12 million annually — will have a long list of suitors and likely won't make a decision until fellow small forward Carmelo Anthony makes his. The New York Knicks All-Star free agent finished his five-team recruiting tour Thursday in Los Angeles and is expected to make a decision in the coming days.

A sign-and-trade for Deng that would send him to the Los Angeles Clippers also has been discussed, although it appears the Clippers' steep asking price on a possible return is likely too high. The Miami Heat also have serious interest, but if LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh ultimately re-sign, it remains to be seen if they will be willing to pay what it might take to add Deng. He could be a possibility if James signs elsewhere as well.

The Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and Bulls also have interest, though it appears the Bulls are the longshot candidate in the group. The Washington Wizards also have interest, though only if they're unable to convince small forward Trevor Ariza to re-sign.