How Deron Williams Re-Signing with Brooklyn Nets Impacts NBA Free Agent Market

Deron Williams was the top free agent this offseason, and now that he has chosen to return to the Brooklyn Nets, other teams will have to re-evaluate their options. 

Williams announced his decision via Twitter.

"

Made a very tough decision today.... lockerz.com/s/222071318

— Deron Williams (@DeronWilliams) July 3, 2012"

His new deal will keep him in Brooklyn for the next five seasons and is worth $98.75, as reported via Twitter by Ken Berger of CBS Sports.

"

League source confirms Deron Williams and Nets have agreed on a five-year deal. Estimated value is $98.75 million.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 3, 2012"

The Nets have been incredibly active since the start of free agency on July 1. They traded for Joe Johnson and are rumored to be in talks with the Orlando Magic to bring Dwight Howard to Brooklyn, according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard. 

The other team that was looking to mix it up in free agency was the Dallas Mavericks, and they are the team most affected by Williams’ decision. 

Dallas let Tyson Chandler walk in free agency after he was an integral part to its championship season in 2010-11, presumably so it would have the cap room to sign Williams, Howard or both. 

According to ESPN, Williams turned down a four-year, $75 million deal from the Mavericks, which was the maximum contract the team could offer. 

Howard surprisingly opted in for the final year of his contract in March, putting Dallas another year away from being able to get the center. The Mavericks have the cap space to sign Howard as a free agent, but they do not have the assets to trade for him.

Now that the team is out of the running for both players, its primary target will almost certainly be Steve Nash. According to ESPN’s Jeff Caplan, Nash was interested in hearing out the Mavs if they were unable to bring Williams on board.

This is bad news for the Toronto Raptors, who were in an all-out blitz to sign Nash. The team offered the point guard $36 million over three years, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein. 

Another point guard who will now receive attention is Goran Dragic. Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld reported via Twitter that the Mavericks will consider the Slovenian in addition to Nash. 

"

Goran Dragic will also be in the mix for the Dallas Mavericks.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 3, 2012"

Other free agent point guards who could attract attention are Jameer Nelson, Ramon Sessions and Kirk Hinrich, all of whom have drawn interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, as Fox Sports’ Sam Amico reported via Twitter. 

"

As for Lakers, Ramon Sessions, Kirk Hinrich, Jameer Nelson all said to be on radar. Potentially Jason Terry, too.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 1, 2012"

Jason Terry reached an agreement Tuesday to sign with the Boston Celtics, according to Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald, so the Lakers will be looking hard at bringing back Sessions or grabbing one of the other two players for their backcourt.

Williams will cause the rest of the dominoes to fall as he was the top guard and overall player in this summer’s free agency class. 

Dallas will now be in play for the other available floor generals, and it will be a free-for-all as teams like the Mavericks, Raptors and Lakers all look to upgrade their backcourts.