Deron Williams: Nets Star Officially Declines Option for 2012-13 Season

Deron Williams is free.

The Brooklyn Nets point guard is officially an unrestricted free agent and able to sign wherever his heart desires.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News tweeted the report.

"

Deron Williams officially did not opt into his contract

— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) June 27, 2012"

Now, Mike Mazzeo of ESPN reported back in March that Williams would opt out so the news is no surprise.

Free agency kicks off on July 1, so teams won’t be able to negotiate a contract with his agent until then. Marc Stein of ESPN reported earlier this week that Williams is only interested in signing with two teams: the Nets and Dallas Mavericks.

When Brooklyn dealt for him before the 2011 NBA trade deadline, they were forced to surrender Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, two first-round draft picks and $3 million to the Utah Jazz. Having given up that many assets to acquire Williams, losing him in free agency would be crippling.

At this point, though, it’s anyone’s guess where he lands.

In Stein’s report, he mentioned that Williams has already begun shopping for homes in Dallas. While that detail is disheartening for Nets fans, Ken Berger of CBS Sports reported on Tuesday that there is a growing fear inside the Mavs’ organization that Williams will choose to stay in Brooklyn.

Wherever D-Will signs, his decision will shape the face of the NBA. The 28-year old floor general is the crown jewel of the 2012 free-agent class for a reason—he’s a game-changer. 

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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