NBA Rumors: Why Deron Williams Will Sign with Mavericks in Free Agency

When Dwight Howard agreed to stay with the Orlando Magic for another season, the New Jersey Nets saw their dreams crumble before their eyes, while the Dallas Mavericks got a jolt of energy fit to revitalize eight men in their 30s.

That's because after Howard spurned the Nets, Deron Williams will likely spurn them, as well. And he may have his sights set on Dallas when free agency comes around.

Ken Berger of CBSSports.com reported on Tuesday:

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"A person who has worked with Williams on a daily basis in the past reiterated this week that going home to Dallas remains an overwhelmingly attractive option for the 27-year-old point guard."

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The Mavericks would be a contender with Williams, and he would add youth to a team that is aging before our very eyes. Starting point guard Jason Kidd is 38 years old right now, and Rodrigue Beaubois isn't a true point guard. In fact, the Mavericks have moved Beaubois over to shooting guard.

With Williams and Dirk Nowitzki, you have a superstar combination in Dallas. That, along with the money Mark Cuban is likely to fork over to Williams, makes Dallas a very intriguing option for the three-time All-Star. Remember, Cuban opted not to re-sign Tyson Chandler and J.J. Barea in the offseason in favor of cap space this summer.

There's still a chance the Nets hold on to Williams, of course. They just landed Gerald Wallace and they have a first-round pick from the Houston Rockets (top-14 protected). But unless Williams is ecstatic about the Nets' first-round pick, I don't see him hanging around just because Wallace is in town (Wallace is less than Howard).

That means the defending champion Mavericks could realistically make a run at the title again next season.

Not bad for a team that appeared it would fade away.

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