NBA Free Agents 2012: Breaking Down Deron Williams' Likely Landing Spots
With mere days remaining until the official start of free agency on July 1, Deron Williams is still the only guy anyone wants to talk about.
But with so many teams eager to obtain his services for the next several years, which ones actually have a shot at landing him?
It's been widely assumed that the bona fide star of the 2012 free agent class would return to the Nets for 2012-13 and beyond after he signs a big new contract. But not so fast. This one isn't quite in the bag for the Nets yet. Here's a look at D-Will's odds of ending up with the teams that constantly have the rumor mill churning.
Los Angeles Lakers
Chances: Officially Bad
A team that was once a front-runner to pull off the free agent coup of the year is now no longer in consideration, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein. While a sign-and-trade package once seemed like a possibility, the Nets have no interest in acquiring Pau Gasol, who would likely serve as the cornerstone of LA's offer, according to Stein.
Though the Nets would be more likely to consider the deal if Andrew Bynum were made available, the Lakers seem unwilling to part with the young center. Alas, it looks like any dreams of Kobe Bryant and D-Will playing together are officially off.
Dallas Mavericks
Chances: Very Good
LA's loss is Dallas' gain. The Mavericks—Williams' hometown team—suddenly won't be pressed to find a point guard of the future in this year's NBA draft if they can land this summer's premiere free agent.
Stein reports that if he doesn't re-sign with his current team, the only other option Williams is likely to consider is signing with Dallas in order to make a title run with Dirk Nowitzki & Co. The move would work out perfectly for the Mavericks, who would get one of the best point guards in the NBA and would also be able to offer Jason Kidd the option of returning to Dallas to fill a backup role.
Most importantly, Stein notes that the Mavericks are still in the running, because Williams trusts that Mark Cuban will stop at nothing in his quest to assemble a championship team.
After being swept out of the playoffs by the Thunder this year, maybe this is Dallas' only shot at competing with the new kings of the West.
Brooklyn Nets
Chances: The Best
Despite all other rumors, the most popular one still remains that Williams will stay with the Nets, who would very much like to have their most recognizable star continue to be the face of the team as they complete their move to Brooklyn.
Williams has been a member of the Nets since February 2011, when he was traded to New Jersey by the Jazz. Though he's sick of the losing culture with the Nets, he's confident that the move to Brooklyn will finally compel ownership to start building a roster that's capable of winning.
That, after all, is his biggest concern.
Williams, who will turn 28 this week, has expressed concern that as he gets older, he's no longer interested in helping a team rebuild and simply wants to join a team that's ready to contend for a championship now.
Though there seems to be a lot of chance riding on the Nets' ability to do that—chiefly, their ability to acquire Dwight Howard from Orlando—Williams seems most eager to finish the job in the Nets' new home.
