The Nets Are About To Release Deron Williams So He Can Go To The Mavs
ESPN – Former All-Star point guard Deron Williams is in talks with the Brooklyn Nets about securing his potential release this offseason to clear the way for Williams to sign with his hometown Dallas Mavericks, according to league sources.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Nets, whose well-chronicled hope is moving out both Williams and fellow former cornerstone Joe Johnson before the start of next season, have opened buyout talks with Williams on the remaining two years and $43.3 million of his contract. ?
A buyout, if Williams’ representatives and the Nets can come to terms, would be Brooklyn’s preference compared to outright waiving the 31-year-old. The Nets have been adamant since the end of the season that they do not want to simply release Williams via the stretch provision, even though it would allow them to pay out his remaining salary over the next five seasons and reduce their luxury-tax bill, as long as such a measure is executed before the Aug. 31 deadline.
But Brooklyn’s attempts to trade Williams have gone nowhere, with what is a very limited trade market seemingly getting thinner.
I know Deron Williams has been on the decline the last few years but jeez, getting released straight away even if it’s a move he wants is a MASSIVE fall from grace for Deron Williams. There was a time where people legitimately debated whether he or Chris Paul were the best point guard taken in their draft and now he can’t even find someone to trade for him. It’s probably more of a reflection of how deep the point guard position is leaguewide but this dude has carried himself as if he was a star for years. Getting a buyout is great when you’re a veteran on your last legs right before the NBA playoffs but in the summer before the season actually starts? Smart move for Brooklyn if they’re finally going to rebuild for real but Deron Williams should still feel like shit about himself today despite the 43.3 million reasons still coming his way not to.
Either way, good thing Deron Williams doesn’t tweet much, otherwise he’d probably have had this entry into the NBA Free Agency Emoji Arms Race: