Will Nets be able to keep Deron Williams?
Nets guard Deron Williams in a 2011 game. (Mar. 4, 2011) Credit: AP
Deron Williams' career with the Nets will not be limited to 12 games after all. And now begins the effort to convince the All-Star point guard to stay with the team beyond this season and into the franchise's new digs in Brooklyn next fall.
Williams can opt out of his contract after this season and become a free agent next summer (which would have been a devastating result for the Nets if this season had been lost because of the lockout). He spent the past three months playing in Turkey as one of the biggest NBA stars to sign a deal with an international team as a result of the lockout. Williams' deal with Besiktas included an out clause to return to the NBA when the lockout ended, so he will be back.
"Guess I'll be going home soon,'' he said via his Twitter account Saturday. "My time in Istanbul with Besiktas was amazing. Thanks for everything!''
The Nets are expected to be extremely active in free agency once the NBA opens the signing period, which could coincide with the start of training camps Dec. 9. The team plans to load up with as many assets as possible to potentially make a trade offer to the Orlando Magic for Dwight Howard, who also has an opt- out for next summer.
For the Nets, this is their Plan A: Keep Williams and acquire Howard either by trade or signing and open up the Barclays Center in Brooklyn with a championship-caliber roster.
