NBA Free Agency 2012: 5 Best Destinations for Deron Williams
When the 2012 NBA season comes to a close, all eyes will shift to New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams and where his pending free agency will take the three time All-Star.
He will be the top guy on the market and his offseason decision will likely shape how the free agency period turns out for several teams that will be in the running for his services.
He’s been a professional about the upcoming summer and hasn’t caused any drama or drawn attention to himself, but with Dwight Howard in Orlando next season, he will no longer have an impact on Williams’ decision.
Here’s a look at the best possible landing spots for him this offseason.
Dallas Mavericks
It’s well known that Dallas is the hometown of Williams and owner Mark Cuban will be a serious player for his services. In Dallas, he could be paired with Dirk Nowitzki for the final productive years of his career and Dallas could also make an attempt to lure Howard the following season.
They will be championship contenders immediately and after Nowitzki calls it a career in a couple of years, Dallas will have even more cap space to land another superstar.
They can offer Williams both a max deal and a chance at winning. They have to be considered the favorite.
New Jersey Nets
Everything points to Williams enjoying his time in New Jersey and with a new arena and the move to Brooklyn; Williams may just elect to see things through.
New Jersey can also offer Williams a max deal, but will they ever offer him the chance to compete for a championship?
Los Angeles Lakers
This would take some creativity on behalf of Lakers’ general manager Mitch Kupchak, as Los Angeles is in a terrible cap situation, currently $26 million over the cap, $13 million over the tax line.
It would take trading either Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum to clear cap space for Williams, which doesn’t seem likely. But consider the fact that the Lakers have no players under contract for the 2013-14 season, so a complete roster overhaul will be in order and Williams likely won’t want to be a part of that.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are close to being a serious contender in the Eastern Conference and currently sit over $21 million under the cap.
They will have the money to be major players in offseason, but will they continue their conservative approach or swing for the fences and try and lure a superstar such as Williams?
Portland Trail Blazers
After their fire sale at the trade deadline, the Blazers currently sit $23 million under the cap and can sell Williams a potential pairing with both LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum, which could be attractive.
Plus, they will have two lottery picks, one coming from the Nets, to add a couple of potential quality young players.
Add a franchise-type point guard like Williams to the mix and the Blazers become legitimate contenders.
