This trade came a day after the New York Knicks shipped off many possessions for Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups.
The Nets were in the sweepstakes for Anthony, but things just couldn't work out. The Nets have had a tough time, although they have the advantages teams would dream of. They got players to trade for and they also have a lot of cap room for a star player.
If Anthony isn't the man, then Deron must be it for them. The Nets are trying to show that they can make big-time deals as well.
But is it worth it? Yes, it is. Williams has been amazing this season. And who did the Nets trade? A struggling Devin Harris and an unproved Derrick Favors. I think Utah should have asked for more. They also get rid of the big contract of Troy Murphy for some good bench players like Brandan Wright and Dan Gadzuric.
First, we'll start with what it means for Utah. Well, they do have a starting point guard still. Harris can probably make a better home in Utah now that he has more targets like Al Jefferson and Raja Bell. This could also mean more minutes for rookie, Gordan Hayward. Favors could also see a lot more minutes and can prove himself.
As for the Nets, they got Williams to build around. New Jersey doesn't have much for Deron but Brook Lopez. However, Lopez's problem is rebounding. And he has been very disappointing at that, especially for his tall, seven-foot stature.
But with this, New Jersey can try to make more trades. But if they can't, they can also look forward to free agency. Zach Randolph could be one of their signings along with Al Horford, Glen Davis, Shaquille O'Neal, Jamal Crawford, Caron Butler, Nene Hilario, Jeff Green, and more.
But some reports have indicated that Williams is not happy with this trade, which could mean he could bolt to New York once he is done punching it out here in Jersey, However, if he likes it, which I can see happening, the Nets got a star for the future and a guy they can build around.
And with Avery Johnson as coach, I think Williams will like it.
"Rarely are you able to trade for somebody that's one of the top players at their position," he said. "We know we had to give up a lot to get him, but we felt it was worth it."
The Utah Jazz looked to see if they wanted to get rid of him after Jerry Sloan re-signed. Many have thought this is a desperate attempt for the Nets to get a big player after they couldn't succeed with Anthony.
"This is not a Plan B," Johnson said. "It was just one that wasn't announced. One that nobody got -- until recently. He's not a Plan B. He's a Plan A also. We've been working on this for a while."
The Nets got a solid point guard now. Great job by general manager Billy King.
"I feel Deron Williams is the best point guard in the NBA. And when you want to try to win you need a point guard and a center, and I think we have two of the best," King said.
Plus, with the team moving to Brooklyn, Deron can also enjoy the fact of being in New York and also being closer to Anthony and Amare Stoudemire besides playing with them. Competition is competition.
This is a solid trade. Looking forward to more, as the trade deadline nears closer and closer.
