NBA Trade Rumors: Nets Don't Need Dwight Howard to Keep Deron Williams

The Brooklyn Nets' chances of keeping Deron Williams don't hinge on Dwight Howard.

If the Nets were able to wrangle the talented center away from Orlando, it would certainly help, but it's not an all-or-nothing type of move.

Simply put, Williams just wants more help. It doesn't necessarily have to be in the form of a whiny, yet ridiculously productive, center.

And no, this isn't just me using my ESP skills and tapping into Williams' head. 

The news comes from the New York Daily News' Stefan Bondy, via Twitter:

"

If its really Dwight or bust for Deron to sign an extension, a team source said that's news to the Nets.

— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) May 30, 2012"

Let's take a look at why this news makes 1,000 percent complete sense.

Howard's Price

Yes, Dwight Howard is the best center in the league when he has his mind right and yes, pairing him with Deron Williams would be a scary combination.

But if the Nets were to trade for Howard, they would likely have to give up a huge part of their current core, such as Brook Lopez, MarShon Brooks and probably another part or two.

Don't think Williams hasn't thought about this. The idea of playing with Howard should clearly be enticing to him, but just as much All-Star laden teams have success, they've been known to struggle, too.

In terms of trade value, Howard might just be too expensive to make the Nets a legitimate title contender. 

There Are Other Options out There

Instead, why don't the Nets consider bringing in some help for Williams that doesn't mortgage 80 percent of the team?

The Lakers' Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum are two names that have at least been tossed around.

Gasol is still a very valuable asset, and he would come much cheaper than Howard. A better move, though, would be to acquire Bynum. He is a legitimate All-Star and still wouldn't command as much in return as Howard would.

But the options don't end there.

Plenty of talented players hit unrestricted free agency in 2013, and while they aren't available currently, it's a good possibility because once the trade deadline rolls around, teams will try to move them if they don't complete an extension.

Among these players? Josh Smith, Kevin Martin, David West, Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson. Again, this is pure speculation, but there is a good chance those players will be available next February for the right price. 

Most importantly, this serves as a reminder that while Dwight Howard seems like the best option currently, more help will become available as we progress into next season. 

Remember, these players aren't Dwight Howard. But they will all be available for a cheaper price, and thus will help the Nets build a solid core around Williams and another All-Star. 

In the end, Williams needs to decide one thing: Does he want himself, Howard and lesser role players, or himself, a different All-Star and better role players?

It will obviously come down to what Williams wants, but it's more than possible to build him a championship contender without Dwight Howard.

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