NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Potential Destinations for Deron Williams
With Jerry Sloan's recent departure from Utah, the Jazz don't seem poised to make a title run any time soon. Williams, already six years into his career, is definitely looking to make a deep playoff run sometime soon. With Sloan no longer manning the helm, the Jazz aren't anything close to a title favorite.
However Sloan's withdrawal from the Jazz isn't the only problem Utah currently faces. Al Jefferson doesn't seem comfortable in the offense (although a coaching change may change fix this problem) and Utah's bench is extremely weak.
With no title in sight, Utah may trade Williams soon in order to prevent themselves from loosing him as an unrestricted free agent in 2012.
Here are five potential fits for the All-Star point guard.
Note: This list is not in any particular order.
5. Portland Trail Blazers
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Once considered an up-and-coming threat to the Lakers' Western Conference dominance, the Trail Blazers have been hit incredibly hard by injuries. Although they are an impressive 28-24 this season (primarily without Brandon Roy in the lineup), the Blazers could definitely use a boost.
Andre Miller has always been a solid point guard, but he'll never be an explosive player. Deron Williams is, and is also a lot younger.
In addition, Roy's knee injury could prevent him from being the prodigious player he once was. If this proves to be true, adding Deron Williams would make perfect sense for the Blazers.
With LaMarcus Aldridge's emergence this season as a dominant player, a very scary team could form in Portland if Williams is added to the mix.
4. Atlanta Hawks
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Mike Bibby isn't a bad player, but this Hawks team won't be able to contend for a title until they upgrade at their point guard position.
Landing Williams would also allow the Hawks to correct the mistake they made in the 2005 draft, when they choose Marvin Williams over both Deron and Chris Paul.
Atlanta seems poised to sit at fourth or fifth place in the Eastern Conference for the rest of the year unless they make a major move. Acquiring Williams would obviously be a step in the right direction.
A starting five of Deron Williams-Joe Johnson-Marvin Williams-Josh Smith-Al Horford would be frightening indeed. It may even be enough to put Atlanta into the conversation of NBA championship contenders.
3. Dallas Mavericks
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A team that seemed to be a title contender at the beginning of the season has undergone some recent struggles.
They're surging now, with a ten game winning streak, but they don't have the firepower to go all the way in the postseason.
Here's a relevant question:
How old is Jason Kidd?
The answer: 38 years old.
Kidd is far past his prime and with the loss of Caron Butler for the rest of the season, the Mavericks could use some new blood in their rotation.
Though Kidd is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, at this point in time Deron Williams is the better player. Dallas owner Mark Cuban is never afraid to make a bold move and if the Mavs whiff on Carmelo, Williams could be their next target.
2. L.A. Lakers
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One of the Lakers' biggest advantages over the other NBA teams is their incredible length and size. With players such as Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom playing in the post, the Lakers are tough to beat.
There is little chance Laker management would even think of losing any of these players, therefore the rumors about acquiring Carmelo Anthony won't become reality. Not only will 'Melo have trouble adjusting to the triangle offense mid-season, but Kobe Bryant will also find trouble in trying to share the ball with another superstar scorer.
However, the Lakers are in need of an improvement at their point guard position. Although the triangle offense doesn't require an All-Star point guard, it obviously wouldn't hurt.
Deron Williams is clearly and upgrade over the likes of Derek Fisher and Steve Blake. If Los Angeles can acquire him in free agency without giving up much of their assets, the Lakers would be the clear favorite to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
1. Charlotte Bobcats
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You may be surprised to see Charlotte on this list, but don't be. They have a fairly talented roster, but key players have been having poor seasons this year which has led to their under .500 record.
Gerald Wallace, for example, has been bothered by injuries all year. This has led to him averaging 2.7 less ppg and 1.9 less rpg this year than he did last year. Stephen Jackson is also averaging 2.2 less ppg this season.
With the loss of Raymond Felton, the Bobcats have inserted young point guard D.J. Augistin into the starting lineup. He's having a solid year, but he's no Deron Williams.
Williams would immediately bring this team to the playoffs. They'd be a dangerous team to meet in the first round, and Charlotte management could use the idea of playing with Williams to add more good players that could take this team to the promised land.
