-- Tough decision on Deng made with Bulls’ future in mind

-- Bulls waive center Andrew Bynum

-- Sam Smith: Luol Deng traded and what it means to everyone

-- Sam Smith: Luol Deng leaves a powerful Bulls legacy

January 7, 2014 -- The Chicago Bulls announced tonight they have conveyed the contract of Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers for multiple draft picks, along with the contract of Andrew Bynum.

"We have great respect for Luol Deng, as a player and a person. He has been an incredible contributor to our team on the court, and he has also done great things in the community," said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. "On behalf of the entire Bulls organization, I want to thank Luol for his years in Chicago."

In addition to sending Bynum’s contract to Chicago, the Cavaliers also conveyed to the Bulls a future draft pick via the Sacramento Kings (Sacramento’s conditional regular first round selection in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 otherwise, Sacramento’s 2017 regular second round pick if it falls between 31-55).

Cleveland also conveyed to Chicago the Portland Trail Blazers’ 2015 and 2016 regular second round draft picks, which were held by the Cavaliers. In addition, if Cleveland is not in the NBA Draft Lottery in 2015, the Bulls have the right to switch regular first round selections with the Cavaliers.

“The moves made today will put us in a better position to make the entire roster stronger for the future and to compete for a championship,” said Forman.

Deng, currently in his 10th season in the NBA, came to the Bulls in a Draft-night deal with the Phoenix Suns in 2004. In 637 (591 starts) regular season contests, he holds career averages of 16.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 2.5 apg in 35.9 mpg.

Audio—Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau on the deal that sent Luol Deng to Cleveland (01.07.2014):

Audio—Bulls forward Carlos Boozer discusses the Luol Deng trade (01.07.2014):

Paxson on Deng: "Lu has gone above and beyond anything we ever could have imagined. We appreciate & respect that." — Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 7, 2014

Paxson: "We still have some really good basketball players, very competitive guys. We also have a coach that prepares our team daily..." — Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 7, 2014

Paxson: "Rebuilding is not a word to use when you still have Joakim Noah on your team or with Derrick Rose expected to come back healthy." — Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 7, 2014