NBA Trade Rumors: Deron Williams Should Extend Stingy Wish List as Favor to Nets

The New Jersey Nets took a chance by dealing considerable assets to the Utah Jazz for point guard Deron Williams last season. Now, if the All Star doesn't plan on re-signing with the Nets, he needs to give them legitimate trade options.

According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, Williams prefers to stay with the Nets as they prepare to move to Brooklyn, but he has a short list of trade destinations that includes the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Williams has denied having such a list, but it certainly makes sense. The Nets have been in pursuit of Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard for much of the season, but they have been unable to work out a deal. The hope was that acquiring Howard would make it easy to sign Williams to an extension. There is nothing currently compelling Williams to stay, though.

If the Nets can't land Howard then the best course of action would likely be to deal Williams. While his contract is up at the end of the season, Williams figures to be a very attractive option for most teams, either as a rental or as a long-term answer at point guard.

Williams may not get the same praise as the likes of Chris Paul and Derrick Rose, but he is unquestionably an elite player at his position as evidenced by his averages of 18 points and 8.4 assists per game this season. Although his percentages haven't been great this season, he has basically been on his own with center Brook Lopez injured.

If Broussard's report is accurate, the only teams he would accept a trade to currently are the Mavs, Knicks and Lakers. It's understandable that he would want to go to high-profile teams, but I think it's irresponsible and selfish of him to limit the Nets' options.

New Jersey parted with point guard Devin Harris, first-round pick Derrick Favors and two additional first-round picks to pry Williams away from the Jazz without even knowing if he would re-sign. Perhaps it was a gamble the Nets shouldn't have taken, but Williams has to understand that the front office stuck its neck out for him.

The least Williams can do to show his gratefulness for the Nets' interest is to accept a trade anywhere. While it's possible that the Mavs, Knicks or Lakers could come up with a great offer, it's much more likely that there are other teams who could offer more.

I know it won't happen, but if the Charlotte Bobcats were to put a great offer together for Williams then the Nets wouldn't be able to make it happen because he's being far too particular. Truth be told, he would be making a very small sacrifice in accepting a trade to any destination since he can easily sign elsewhere during the regular season.

At this point, if Williams isn't going to re-sign then the Nets have to get the best possible package in return. If that package doesn't come from the Mavericks, Knicks or Lakers, Williams should suck it up and play in a less than ideal locale for the remainder of the season.