Deron Williams Speculation: Destinations If Dwight Howard Is Traded to LA Lakers

Last year, New Jersey made a blockbuster trade to get Deron Williams.  So far, plans have not panned out.  The Nets are abysmal so far at 2-9.  The outlook looks bleak.  Dwight Howard looks unlikely to be traded to the Nets.

So what'll happen to Deron Williams?  If Howard is traded to the Lakers, there are many scenarios that can happen.  If Dwight is traded to the Mavs, Deron will join him there.  If Dwight is traded to any other team or stays put, Dwight and Deron will join forces in Dallas or New Jersey.

Let's see, though, what could happen if Dwight Howard is traded to the Lakers.

Trade to Oklahoma City

Russell Westbrook wants to be the center focus of the team.  He's not a true point guard and OKC needs one.  The Thunder have an alpha male already in Kevin Durant.  OKC has flirted with trading Westbrook for Rajon Rondo.

So why not attempt to trade for Deron Williams?  Russell Westbrook could flourish in New Jersey with the free reins that he'll be given.  Deron Williams would be a great compliment to James Harden and Kevin Durant.

Signs with Dallas

Deron Williams can go to his hometown and sign with the Mavs.  Currently, Mark Cuban seems to be preparing to sign a marquee free agent.  He has the money and swagger to entice free agents to join his team.

Dirk Nowitzki still has some years left in him.  Adding Williams will help Dirk be effective for some extra years.  Will Williams be fine if the Mavs have to rebuild after Nowitzki's time is up?

Trade to the Knicks

It's no secret that the Knicks have a major point guard problem.  Deron Williams would solve that problem.  So Williams crossing the bridge for Amare Stoudemire could be a possibility.

Deron would be a real leader for the Knicks.  It'd give them more balance with a point guard, a wingman and a center.

For New Jersey, Amare will bring seats to Brooklyn too.  He and Brook Lopez can form a formidable duo in the front court.

Trade to the Lakers

This may be a long shot, but it's not impossible.  What if Deron decided that he wanted to join Dwight and Kobe in LA?  What if LA had only given up Bynum and change for Howard?  This would make them a more complete big 3 than Miami.

For New Jersey, Gasol is a top-five power forward.  Like Stoudemire, Gasol and Lopez can be a formidable front court duo.  Gasol doesn't have any major injury red flags like Stoudemire.

Stay in Brooklyn

Maybe Williams is a loyal guy and stays with the Nets.  Maybe the extra money is too much to give up.  Next year, the Nets are moving to Brooklyn and Williams may want to be a part of that.

Mikhail Prokhorov will do as much as he can to get him to stay.  Prokhorov could persuade him that a top team could be built around him and Brook Lopez.