NBA Rumors: 7 Teams with a Better Shot at Landing Deron Williams Than LA Lakers

Every year around this time, a new class of free agents emerge and change the state of the NBA. And 2012 will be no different, as future stars are all around. One elite point guard in particular heads this year's class.

That man, of course, is prized target Deron Williams.

Amongst the countless in search of Williams' services are the Los Angeles Lakers, who look to fix their point guard problems with the presence of one of the game's elite. The issue is, Los Angeles is far from likely to land D-Will.

For those who debate that fact, try finding the financial availability to get the signing done.

7. Indiana Pacers

When there is a Facebook page petition that was set up with the goal of getting Deron Williams to sign with a team, you have to imagine there being at least a minor chance that he will end up there. Don't you?

6. Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers need an upgrade at the point guard position. Desperately.

Their top target is likely to be the same guy who the rest of the NBA desires: Deron Williams.

Even if Ric Bucher believes there to be no chance of the signing occurring. Seriously, no chance.

Here's to relentless optimism.

5. Phoenix Suns

Jonathon Kingston of ABC.com Arizona has shed new light on a potential landing spot for Deron Williams: Phoenix.

Swapping a hall of fame point guard for a perennial all-star doesn't sound too bad, now does it?

While the likelihood of this sign is slim, there is no way around how appealing Phoenix may be to Deron Williams. Marcin Gortat is a potential all-star, Alvin Gentrie is one of the game's best young coaches and Phoenix is one of the more appealing areas for players to live.

But can they contend for a title with D-Will if they couldn't with Steve Nash? Consider their financial flexibility a resounding yes, as they also emerge as a potential suitor to land Dwight Howard in a sign and trade.

4. Orlando Magic

We all remember how close the Brooklyn Nets were to acquiring Dwight Howard and creating the quintessential power pairing with him and Deron Williams. The deal fell through, Dwight Howard waived his early termination option and Deron Williams is hitting free agency.

Is it now possible for the Orlando Magic to turn the tables—to pull some strings and sign Deron Williams? As long as Dwight Howard doesn't pass out from confusion over what he's going to do tomorrow, the day after and the day after that, it could.

We all know how badly Deron Williams wants to play with Dwight Howard. As landing in Orlando appears to be the only way beyond speculation for him to do so, that may happen—in a way we never saw coming.

3. New York Knicks

Back in January, the New York Knicks emerged as a favorite to land Deron Williams in free agency. As July approaches and Jeremy Lin remains a free agent, the dream of signing Deron Williams could become a reality.

If nothing else, the potential of a Williams-Carmelo-Amar'e-Chandler combination may be enough to encourage Williams to take a slight pay cut. After all, the only thing D-Will wants is to win.

2. Dallas Mavericks

There is no greater priority for Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks than to sign star point guard Deron Williams. To strengthen the rumors of that possibility becoming a reality, reports have begun to fly that Williams has his hometown team near the top of his short list.

The Dallas Mavericks are in position to offer Williams the most money and the longest contract. But they're also in a position in which Deron Williams may not see them as a legitimate contender, as Dirk Nowitzki is the lone player on the roster with true star ability.

Signing Roy Hibbert could change all of that.

1. Brooklyn Nets

Deron Williams returning to the Brooklyn Nets is much more likely than people might believe. From meeting with ownership to mocking the supposed experts whose sources claim Williams would only re-sign with the Nets upon the acquisition of Dwight Howard, all signs point towards a re-signing.

After all, the Brooklyn Nets have been near the top of his list since the beginning of the calendar year.

The Nets remain atop his wish list.