NBA Rumors: Deron Williams' Unrest Spells Doom for Nets

It's time to consider what the Orlando Magic will be having as their last meal. While you are at it, ask the New Jersey Nets as well. 

The team that has enjoyed so many fine Dwight Howard moments have held onto high hopes and unlikely dreams for too long. Not to worry Orlando, you may not be alone in a Doomsday scenario that may also see Deron Williams out of New Jersey as well. 

CBS Sports Ken Berger pens a column that is more horror story for those in the Orlando and New Jersey markets. In a nutshell, the Magic could lose out on Dwight Howard—garnering nothing for their troubles—and the Nets may see their star guard walk to Dallas. 

Orlando Magic

Berger makes a solid point when he writes, "The Magic might be able to make it through February with Howard, but not past the March 15 trade deadline. Not unless they're willing and prepared to watch him walk."

The unfortunate fact is the Magic are not about to take on Brook Lopez while he is injured, and you can cross out Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum while the Lakers continue winning. 

GM Otis Smith gambled and may have lost. He may get less than he wanted initially for his superstar. The market is closing and everybody knows it. General managers know that the end is nigh for the Magic and will play off such things. 

This is not the most surprising part of Berger's article, though. 

New Jersey Nets

The Nets would love to hit a home run and pair Dwight Howard with star guard Deron Williams. As it sits, they may be on the clock just as much as the Magic are. Berger explains as he describes a possible three-team deal: 

"

...the Nets' bid to get a third team involved will be crucial to their efforts to add the one player who could persuade Deron Williams to embrace the organization and the move to Brooklyn. But with Williams' body language already suffering during the Nets' 1-6 start, observers say to be on the lookout for D-Will to soon lose his will to stay in New Jersey long enough to make it to the New York City boroughs.

"

Then comes a quote from a person close to Williams that would warm Mark Cuban's heart and have Mikhail Prokhorov throwing everything not tied down. 

"

I don't think he feels it there. I could see him saying, 'I've got all the money. I can go back to Dallas. That's my home.' I don't see any spunk in his game right now. He's going through the motions.

"

We now have two franchises that are on the precipice of ruin.

Smith could have dealt Howard weeks ago when the value was high. Now the Magic struggle and other teams' situations may have them begging for a suitor. 

It looks likely that they take a hit on any returns from Howard. Things could be worse, because they could be the Nets. 

If New Jersey can't pull a big man out of their hat to deal to Orlando, they will swing and miss on Howard or any other big-time player. As it sits, that is pretty much the only thing that will keep Williams happy. 

If you had any doubts that 2012 would be the end of the world, just ask fans of the Orlando Magic and New Jersey Nets. 

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