Jazz Trade Deron Williams to Nets

Added on Feb 23, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

First they lost their longtime head coach. Now the Utah Jazz have said goodbye to point guard and leading scorer Deron Williams, who has been traded to the New Jersey Nets in the second major NBA swap in as many days. In return for Williams, the Jazz acquired point guard Devin Harris, power forward Derrick Favors, two first-round draft picks and cash.

Unable to land Carmelo Anthony, the Nets made sure not to let Williams slip through their fingers. A two-time All-Star, Williams is averaging 21.3 points and 9.7 assists this season, and is arguably the best overall point man in the league. He’s also only 26 years old and smack dab in the prime of his career. Combined with 22-year-old center Brook Lopez, New Jersey now has a potent inside-outside combo that could compete in the Eastern Conference for years to come.

The issue of a long-term contract for Williams is still a concern. He can’t sign a new deal until this summer, but a possible lockout due to the expiring CBA could derail the two sides from hammering out an extension. However, all signs indicate the Nets will do everything in their power to retain Williams.

As for the Jazz, they lose their franchise centerpiece, but gain a quality guard in Harris, a potential inside force in Favors and a pair of picks to help rebuild their suddenly depleted roster. Utah is still battling for the final playoff spot in the West, although with or without Williams, they aren’t in a position to challenge the elite teams in the conference.

So, after flirting with Anthony for months only to be spurned, the Nets still managed to come away with one of the NBA’s top players. At 17-40, they have nowhere to go but up. Williams won’t provide all the answers, but he should give fans some hope for the future.