Deron Williams States 90 Percent Chance He Signs with New Jersey Nets

While Deron Williams may be opting out of his contract at the end of the 2011-2012 season, the point guard seems to be hinting that it won't be final year in a New Jersey Nets uniform.

"My plan it to stay," Williams stated during an interview Monday morning with local news radio WFAN.  Obviously, this plan is contingent upon the Nets' ability to upgrade the roster, as Williams rightfully suggested when he added, "hopefully we can get good talent in here to where I can stay."

When asked about Dwight Howard, Williams claimed that if there is one person he would like to play with, it is the Orlando Magic big man. The two-time All-Star added, "I think if you're a point guard and you could play with D-12 and you leave, you're not very smart."

Howard and Williams have been good friends for years, often pairing up for golf outings during the offseason.

If the Nets were not already fully committed to acquiring Howard, Williams' not so subtle hint should lead the organization in the right direction.

“I’ve talked to him a lot. We’ve had some conversations. He knows I want to play him. I don’t think there’s a player in the NBA who doesn’t want to play with Dwight Howard,” Williams said recently, also stating he has a "strong feeling" he will stay with the Nets, according to the New York Post.

There have already been reports that the Nets are willing to offer Brook Lopez and two first-round picks in exchange for Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkoglu's ugly contract.  While this currently sounds like the best package any team could offer, the Nets shouldn't be afraid to increase the stakes if it means landing Howard, and then presumably Williams.

Williams, however, also showed excitement about the possibility of playing alongside either Tyson Chandler or Nene, both of whom are set to become free agents on December 9th, stressing the team's need to find a big man to complement the young Brook Lopez.

"Both of them would change the dynamic of the team instantly," Williams quipped.

Following a wave of pessimism during the offseason that Williams would never sign an extension with the Nets, recent events have added an air of reassurance to the team's future. If they play their cards right, the Nets could roll into Brooklyn commanding some serious attention in 2012.