Heat in 'hot pursuit' of Luol Deng

Pat Riley's statement after LeBron James announced his decision to join the Cleveland Cavaliers leaves little doubt that he stands undeterred and wants the Heat to remain in title contention. Multiple reports have linked the Miami Heat to Luol Deng.

Luol Deng's representatives spoke with Miami officials today, league source says. Deng hopes to choose landing spot in next 24 hours.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 11, 2014

The Lakers and Mavs among teams strongly pursuing Deng. But source describes his options today as: "Miami, Miami and Miami."

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 11, 2014

Others have reported, can confirm: Heat in hot pursuit of Luol Deng.

— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) July 11, 2014

The Lakers' recent moves to re-sign Nick Young and Jordan Hill likely take them out of contention for Deng. And Dwyane Wade may be working with the Heat front office to make sure the team will have enough salary cap space to sign the small forward.

Sense on Wade is that he is waiting to finalize terms to increase Heat flexibility.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 11, 2014

Bosh, Wade and Deng is much worse than Bosh, Wade and James. But James' move to the Cavs leaves the East wide open -- especially if Carmelo Anthony re-signs with the Knicks. We should know a lot more in the next 72 hours.

Miami engaged with free agents Trevor Ariza and Luol Deng for the job opening at small forward, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 11, 2014