Details of the match were first revealed on insidethegames last November.

 

Deng, who is currently injured with a stress fracture, will join up with British-born team-mate Gordon to face the Jazz, whose squad features Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, members of the United States team that won the Olympic gold medal at Beijing lst year.

 

NBA Commissioner David Stern said: “For the last three years through NBA Europe Live, I have been able to witness first-hand, the passion and excitement of basketball fans in Europe.

 

"This year will be no different when two franchises rich in tradition and success, the Bulls and the Jazz, play at The O2.

 

"The continued efforts of Euroleague Basketball and EA SPORTS, together with the ongoing support of England Basketball, British Basketball and the British Basketball League, are a testament to the commitment to grow basketball in the UK."

 

London has hosted four NBA games and seven teams since the first NBA Games in Europe were staged at Wembley Arena in 1993.

 

The Bulls, who are six-time NBA Champions, last played in Europe at the 1997 McDonald’s Championship in Paris.

  

Deng said: “It has always been my dream to play for the Bulls in London.

 

"They were the team I supported as a kid growing up and I am looking forward to playing in front of my hometown family and friends.

 

"We will put on a great show for the fans, whilst having the opportunity to show my teammates the culture that London has to offer.”

 

Basketball in Britain has enjoyed a recent resurgence with club membership doubling over the last four years ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

 

British Basketball, aided by Deng and Pops Mensah Bonsu, who recently signed a contract with NBA side Toronto Raptors, qualified for EuroBasket 2009 and will host a four-team tournament at The O2 from August 14-16.

 

In addition, thousands of young people in London will have access to basketball coaching and organised competition with the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA programme, in partnership with Greenhouse Schools Project, and the NBA’s support of the London Youth Games, which tips-off in May.

 

The O2’s managing director Mark Donnelly said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming the NBA back again to The O2 for a third successive year.

 

"With home grown stars like Luol Deng playing I know that the game will be another must see sporting event at the venue.

 

"The event has previously drawn visitors from across the UK and Europe – and I am sure they will be flocking back again this year.”

 

EA SPORTS will once again serve as the presenting partner of NBA Europe Live, which it has since the inaugural tour in 2006.

 

In addition to the basketball action, the NBA conducted a variety of community events and programmes as part of its NBA Cares initiative, including a court refurbishment at Larkhall Park in 2008 working in partnership with Lambeth Council and the Lambeth Sports Action Zone.

 

The inaugural NBA Europe Live in 2006 featured the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs playing preseason games in Barcelona, Moscow, Rome, Paris, Lyon and Cologne.

 

NBA Europe Live returned in 2007 with the Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors visiting Rome, Madrid, London and Istanbul.

 

In 2008, the Miami Heat faced the New Jersey Nets in London and Paris, while the New Orleans Hornets played the Washington Wizards in Barcelona and Berlin.

 

Tickets for the game at The O2 are on sale now at www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202.