NBA Free Agents 2012: Deron Williams Should Re-Sign with Brooklyn Nets

As the beginning of the NBA free agency period inches closer and closer, it appears point guard Deron Williams—one of the biggest fish in the free-agent sea—is getting closer and closer to re-upping with the Brooklyn Nets. 

But regardless of whether a number of the published reports end up being true when free agency opens July 1, Williams should re-sign with the Nets this summer. 

Chris Broussard of ESPN reported Wednesday that there are a number of signs pointing to Williams returning to the Nets next season. 

According to Broussard, Nets coach Avery Johnson was one of just eight people invited to Williams' 28th birthday party Tuesday in New York, and Williams then peeked his head in during GM Billy King's media availability Wednesday morning. 

More telling is that Williams has worked out extensively at the Nets facility this summer, and sources also told Broussard that Williams and Johnson have "discussed strategies for next season." 

Even the Dallas Mavericks, who Broussard reported Saturday as the Nets' only real competition for Williams on the free-agent market, are reportedly beginning to feel the momentum swing Brooklyn's way. 

According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, leagues executives believe that the Mavericks are "becoming increasingly worried" that Williams will sign with Brooklyn this summer.

There are likely a number of factors pushing Williams away from his hometown Mavericks and closer to returning to the Nets.

Money could be one factor, although likely not a deciding one. 

While the Mavericks—and any other NBA team not named the Nets—can offer Williams a four-year, $81 million max deal, Brooklyn has the ability to outspend everyone in the process. Under the new rules of the CBA, the Nets could tack on another year and $27 million to the max deal.

Comfort level also appears to be a big piece for Williams, but that doesn't mean it favors his hometown of Dallas. Williams has been plenty happy as a member of the Nets, and he's excited for the move to Brooklyn. 

Williams, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times last month:

"The move to Brooklyn is definitely going to be huge. That's first and foremost. I'm very confident in management there. I like Coach Avery Johnson and I like playing for him. Like I said, the move to Brooklyn could be huge. It'll be a fun thing to be a part of."

By all accounts, Williams enjoys living and playing in the New York area. He said that is one of the biggest factors in his decision. 

From the same Times interview:

"Also, I want to live in a place where I want to live and my kids will enjoy living," Williams said. "That's pretty much it."

Overall, Williams may be just one piece to a larger free-agent haul this summer. The Nets are over $20 million under the cap, and free agents could flock to Brooklyn once Williams signs and they get a chance to see the team's new arena. 

That haul may not include Dwight Howard, who wants to end up in Brooklyn via trade from Orlando. But whether or not Howard heads north this summer shouldn't deter Williams from re-signing, as Howard could still join him in Brooklyn next summer. Howard has all the power over where he'll play after next season. 

Given all the factors that have started to lean Brooklyn's way, it may come as an upset if the Mavericks land Williams when free agency opens Sunday. Most signs now point to the All-Star point guard returning to the Nets. 

In the end, that decision will likely be the best one for Williams to make.