Feb 18, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luol Deng (9) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Cavaliers defeated the Sixers 114-85. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Wizards are trying to make some roster changes before the 3:00 PM deadline today, and they’ve apparently had conversations with the Cleveland Cavaliers about landing Luol Deng, who the Cavaliers acquired from the Chicago Bulls earlier this season.

Hearing: Wizards — who tried to acquire Luol Deng from Bulls at last NBA Draft — are among teams in Deadline Day talks with Cavs on Deng — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 20, 2014

The Wizards seem to be high on Deng, but he’s got a ton of mileage on him and he’s capable of leaving the team through free agency. Personally, I’d avoid trading for Luol Deng since it’d likely cause the Wizards to give him a large contract this summer, which is something I’m not a fan of. Deng has been a borderline All-Star for the past few seasons, but I still prefer keeping the core of forwards on the team–Trevor Ariza and Martell Webster.

Washington is trying to upgrade their backup point guard position, so it’s surprising that they’ve even had conversions about Deng. Unless the Wizards plan on pursuing Deng through free agency, I don’t see why a 29 game rental would be necessary, especially considering how well Trevor Ariza has played this season.

I doubt a deal including Luol Deng will come to fruition, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on. Washington has liked Luol Deng for quite some time, but declined a deal sending Emeka Okafor and their third overall pick, which became Otto Porter, to Chicago in exchange for Deng before the NBA Draft.

Deng would definitely take some of the offensive and defensive load off John Wall and Co., but he’s logged a lot of minutes and he’ll be getting a big contract this summer. Pass on this one, Ernie Grunfeld.