Chicago Bulls' Luol Deng acknowledges flurry of trade rumors

The Chicago Bulls' Luol Deng did not dismiss any trade rumors involving his name leading up to the NBA Draft. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng said Sunday that there is probably "some truth" behind a recent flurry of trade rumors involving him, ESPN Chicago's Ian Whittell reports. From Whittell's report:

"I believe there is always to some extent truth behind rumors," Deng said. "But as an athlete, if you get caught up in them, you are really wasting your time because it's not something you can control.

"If it's not true, a GM could always come out and say it's not true. But if a GM doesn't come out and say it, there are probably talks."

Deng was in Texas, preparing for the 2012 London Olympics with his the Great Britain national team. The Olympics were the source of some dispute between Deng and the Bulls at the end of the season. Deng is postponing surgery on his injured left wrist so he can play in the Olympics, which could cause him to miss some of next season.

Deng has been mentioned recently in a number of trade rumors involving the Bulls' desire to move up into the NBA Draft lottery.  The latest, from the Contra Costa Times, speculates that the Bulls could be interested in moving him to the Warriors for the No. 7 pick.

Deng said he hoped to remain with the Bulls, but at the same time, he realizes the reality of the situation.

"As much as I want to stay on the team -- I love Chicago, I love the Bulls," Deng said.  "At the same time, I know the business part of it. Sooner or later, all the rumors are going to come up."