How Dwight Howard's Message About Staying Impacts Nets' Deron Williams
If the reports by ESPN's Chris Broussard are true, the person most deeply impacted by Dwight Howard's actions could be New jersey Nets' front man, Deron Williams.
The word is that Dwight Howard told some of his teammates and members of Orlando's organization that he will not opt out of his contract at the end of the season.
Rumors surrounding a potential Dwight Howard move to the New Jersey Nets, to play with Deron Williams, have been in full force for quite some time now.
While that could have been a match made in Heaven for the Nets, it appears they will have to wake up from that dream for the time being. That's potentially bad news for Deron Williams.
Williams was traded to the Nets near the end of the 2010-11 season. It was understood that New Jersey wasn't a place he wanted to call home unless the Nets could build a franchise around him.
For some time, it looked like Howard might be that elite talent that the Nets needed to get Williams to stay in New Jersey. If Howard stays in Orlando, it's likely Williams could seriously consider where he wants to play next year.
Williams' Future Might Not be in New Jersey
Up until now it seemed likely that even if the Nets didn't trade for Howard, they would at least do everything they could to bring him in during free agency.
Now, as Howard's future with the Magic looks like a realistic possibility, it's time for Williams to start thinking about his own future.
Sure, Williams could stay in New Jersey and hope that the Nets make some sort of move to solidify their franchise as a legitimate contender.
The more realistic option for him is to get a list of teams he wants to play for, like this one, and pursue them during free agency.
If teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and the Orlando Magic fail to make a move before the Mar. 15th trade deadline, there's a high likelihood that Deron Williams could be interested in joining those teams, as they're his best chance for a title in the next few years.
Deron Williams Might be Moving to Orlando this offseason
If Howard stays in Orlando, the Magic could make some roster cuts to clear cap space to pursue Deron Williams this offseason if he opts out of his contract after this year.
Maybe Howard just wasn't interested in wearing a Nets jersey. Instead of making the trip to New Jersey he figured that he could stay in Orlando while the Magic pursue Deron Williams.
While the Magic would have to make some serious adjustments to their roster to make room for Williams, it's definitely not an option that is out of the realm of possibility.
Deron Williams Could be Teammates with Howard in New Jersey
If Howard signs an extension throughout next season, it doesn't necessarily mean that he's going to stay in Orlando. Howard could sign the extension and get traded before the March 15th trade deadline.
While that's not the most realistic possibility, it's still one that could happen.
It's not outlandish to think Howard could sign the extension in hopes of luring more teams into legitimate trade offers. Howard would be guaranteed to be with that team at least through the end of the 2012-13 season.
In that scenario, Deron Williams and Dwight Howard in the same starting lineup in 2011-12 could still come to fruition.
It would be shocking to see that happen. Either way, it's a major move that would seriously impact Williams' future.
What do you think Howard's message means for Williams? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
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