Heat's Deng opts in for next season

Jun 29, 2015 - 7:50 PM Miami, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - While the Miami Heat wait on a decision from Dwyane Wade, the team will have Luol Deng back in uniform for the upcoming season.

The Heat announced Monday that Deng has elected to pick up the option for the remaining year of his contract.

Miami signed Deng to a two-year, $20 million contract last July that included a $10.15 million player option for 2015-16. The two-time All-Star started 72 games in his Heat debut, averaging 14.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

Opting in allows Deng to test the 2016 free agent market, during which the salary cap is expected to increase substantially due to the NBA's new television contract deal with ESPN and Turner Sports.

Wade also has a player option for next season and must make a decision before midnight on Tuesday. Multiple sources have indicated that the Heat's all-time leader in points and games played is planning on opting out and testing free agency.