NBA Trade Rumors 2013: Luol Deng Hopes To Stay With The Chicago Bulls

Luol Deng is one of the big names that is expected to float around on the trade market this season after the Chicago Bulls decided not to offer an extension to the veteran forward.

Deng, who is playing in the final year of his six-year, $71 million contract with the Bulls, was expecting an extension before the start of the season but the Bulls did not offer any extension, which will make him a free agent next offseason.

The 28-year-old forward admitted that he was disappointed with the decision of the Bulls about his contract status, but Deng pointed out that he is still hoping to finish his career in Chicago.

"I definitely want to stay here," said Deng in an interview with ESPN Chicago. "I would love to play here my whole career."

Although Deng is hoping to finish his career where it started, he also admitted that there is a huge possibility that it may not happen, adding that nothing is in his control.

Once he becomes a free agent next summer if a trade will not be arranged before the deadline this season, the All-Star forward is expected to attract significant interests from teams with cap space like the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I've seen players in the past who wanted to stay with their team and it didn't work out," said Deng, who was acquired by the Bulls in a trade after he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2004. "At the end of the day, I can't control that."

Deng also revealed how the trade talks surrounding him have been affecting his game in the past, but the nine-year veteran said that he is now better in handling the business side of his basketball career.

"I'm a human being, so of course it's in the back of my mind," Deng said. "But honestly, I really don't think about it unless [the media] brings it up. The older you get, the more you appreciate where you are and the more confidence you have in what you can do."

Deng, who is struggling to find his rhythm this season, averaged 14.5 points in the Bulls' first four games, shooting just 38.7 percent from the field -- his lowest so far in his  NBA career.