Deron Williams and the New Jersey Nets were in Dallas last night, which meant another round of Will You Be Playing Here Next Season? talk for Williams, a native of the Dallas area. However it plays out, most likely in the off-season unless the monster domino that is Dwight Howard forces the action earlier, we can basically take three (sort of obvious) things from Deron’s trip to Dallas.
1. Deron Like Dallas.
Apparently a lot, via Tim MacMahon’s story on ESPNDallas:
“I’ve always liked playing here,” he said. “This is one of my favorite arenas to play in, probably my favorite arena to play in. I just enjoy playing in it. I enjoy playing in front of my friends and family. It’s always good for them to get the chance to see me play.”
Those are the type of remarks that will make Mavericks fans swoon, almost making it feel like a future deal is a no-brainer. Whether Williams was simply giving an honest answer about his favorite place to play in the league or intentionally stoking the fires of speculation is up to interpretation and what side of the fence you’re on. But hey, you can only have one favorite, right?
2. Dallas is Preparing to Throw Money at Someone.
This one we’ve known ever since Mavericks owner Mark Cuban decided not to re-sign Tyson Chandler, a huge piece in their championship puzzle last season, for mega-dollars or overpay combo guard Jose Juan Barea and instead bring in veterans on the cheap. The Mavericks are setting themselves up as major, major players this offseason, possibly with both Williams and Howard in their sights — though, as Zach Lowe over at SI.com points out, this would mean each player taking less than the maximum amount of cash.
Point is, Dallas has been gearing up for this offseason in particular because of who will be available in free agency. Deron Williams will be the best point guard on the market. The two sides may only be able to bat eyes across the room right now, but it seems pretty clear what the Mavericks want.
3. The Nets Ain’t Never Scared.
Aside from coach Avery Johnson rightly calling the Mavericks and Cuban a “threat” to lure Williams, from MacMahon’s story above, New Jersey’s brass put on a brave face when discussing Williams’ likelihood of moving to Brooklyn with the Nets next season. It didn’t feel like posturing either, as general manager Billy King acknowledged the team’s need to bring in someone else that would convince Williams to stay, rather than using only a new arena and uniforms as leverage. Here’s King:
Via MacMahon/ESPNDallas: “Is there a chance that he might not re-sign? Yeah. But I think I’m gonna do my job and put the pieces together that will keep him here.”
Clearly, this means Howard. Whatever happens with him will shape the rest of this scenario, especially for Dallas. If Howard lands with the Nets and Williams, in turn, re-signs there (where he can make the most money as well), the Mavericks could be out two of those coveted free agents-to-be they were priming for.
Still, it is a surprise to no one that the Mavericks will be making a strong play towards Williams if given the chance. It does seem like an ideal fit, with the combination of a well-run organization and nearby family ties, for the elite point guard to call home (again). New Jersey, though, with a new life set to begin for the franchise, has plenty riding on Williams staying with them long-term. Safe to say both sides won’t be bowing out of this thing quietly.
Oh, and the Nets actually won last night too, beating the Mavericks, 93-92. Maybe that’ll help.
Griffin Gotta contributes to The Hoop Doctors and is a co-managing editor of Straight Outta Vancouver. The story arcs and infinite weirdness of the NBA are addictions he deals with every day. Email him at griffingotta at gmail dot com.
