Deron Williams: NJ Nets Star Drops More Hints About Playing for Dallas Mavericks

It appears Deron Williams is about to leave the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets high and dry. He has continued to show an affinity for his hometown Dallas Mavericks. Most recently, Colin Stephenson of the Star-Ledger quoted the Nets star gushing about the Mavs and their arena:

"

I always like playing here, It’s probably my favorite (arena) to play in. I just enjoy playing here—I enjoy playing in front of my friends, family. It’s always good they get the chance to come and see me play.

"

If you are the Nets brass, it can't make you feel too comfortable to hear your star speaking so highly about playing elsewhere. It's like your girlfriend telling people how nice it would be to date a guy across town.

What's even more unsettling for the Nets is that the guy across town has a whole lot more going for him than they do.

The Mavs have a star already in Dirk Nowitzki, they are the defending NBA champs, they have a player-friendly owner and it's Williams' hometown.

Things aren't looking good.

It could all be posturing. Williams has said in the past that he is committed to trying to stay with the Nets, but this talk has to be unsettling for them.

Players do change their minds. Elton Brand and Carlos Boozer pulled two of the most memorable 180s in recent NBA free-agent history. Both players went to different teams after leading many to believe they would re-sign with their current clubs.

It didn't happen, so it's hard to say what Williams will do.

Obviously, the Dwight Howard factor looms large in this situation. The Nets are still working hard to secure a deal for the big man. They know that will all but ensure Williams' return to the Nets.

Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated reported this of the Nets' continued pursuit of Howard:

"

Howard could sign with the Nets in free agency, but getting to his chosen destination via trade means the chance to sign a five-year deal with 7.5 percent raises versus a four-year deal with 4.5 percent raise. It's hardly the biggest factor in this equation, but the Nets will be doing all they can to make it happen in these next few weeks.

"

That will be difficult, as the Magic haven't pulled the trigger on a deal as of yet, despite being courted by the Nets and other clubs since Christmas.

If the Nets aren't able to land Howard by the trade deadline, they will have to sweat it out until July 1. That is when NBA free agency begins, and that opens the door to the Los Angeles Lakers, Mavericks and other teams.

If the Nets can't get the two stars inked, they will again be in complete rebuilding mode. It won't be as bad as the Cavaliers' situation post-LeBron James, because the Nets aren't making the playoffs this year. This will yield a lottery pick in what figures to be a strong 2012 NBA draft.

Still, it'll be a far cry from an Eastern Conference contender, which is what the team could be with both Williams and Howard.

Right now, the Nets are six-and-a-half games out of the final playoff spot. It isn't impossible to say that a team led by Howard and Williams could make a push for that final spot this year.

Though they wouldn't likely have the supporting cast to advance deep into the playoffs, imagine the excitement in the organization, and in Brooklyn, with a hot, star-led squad coming to town.

That is what the Nets desperately want.

If they don't get their wish, the worst-case scenario has the Nets courting a team in the 2012-2013 season led by MarShon Brooks; add in a high lottery pick and a free agent or two from the 2012 class.

A Nets team without Williams and Howard doesn't figure to draw free agents looking to play for a winner. They will have tons of money to spend, so they will draw the most love from players looking to cash in on a big payday.

Here are some of the possibilities:

PG

Aaron Brooks
D.J. Augustin
Jerryd Bayless

SG

O.J. Mayo
Eric Gordon
Nick Young

SF

Nic Batum
Wilson Chandler

PF

Michael Beasley
J.J. Hickson

C

Andrew Bynum
JaVale McGee

The Nets could probably sign two to three of these players if they lost Williams. It could be a nice young nucleus, but it would still be one a few years away from contending.

It's not exactly what they want, as the Nets want to win now. They will have to wait and see, but Williams is the key to it all.