It also means that Deng, who signed a guaranteed $71 million (£43 million/ €50 million) salary with the Bulls in 2008, can play for Britain in the London 2012 test event at the Olympic Park before leaving for EuroBasket, which is due to be held between August 31 and September 18.

"Playing for GB has always been hugely important to me so I'm really glad we could resolve this," he said.

"It has been a long process but a great team effort. I can't wait to get back to the UK to run my Foundation camps before joining up with the team to prepare for Lithuania."

Brian Heidelberger, Deng's Chicago-based attorney from Winston & Strawn LLP was instrumental in helping solve the problem.

"We were delighted that we could fulfil Luol's strong desire to compete for his country while at the same time protecting his business interests," he said.

"GB means a huge amount to Luol which, in turn, means a huge amount to his management team."


Chris Spice, British Basketball's Performance Director, was delighted with the outcome, which first broken by Deng on his Twitter account.

"It is great for basketball in Britain that Luol has signed up for our programme again this summer.

"He has always been a great supporter of the GB basketball programme and we are excited to have him on the court again this year after he played such a key role for us in qualifying last year.

"With Olympic tickets sold out it is fantastic that the British public will get to see Luol play in the Olympic Basketball Arena in the London International Basketball Invitational tournament in two weeks time."

The London International Basketball Invitational is due to be held between August 16 and 21.

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