NBA Trade Rumors: Utah's Deron Williams and 10 Possible Trade Destinations

There's a ton of buzz surrounding the Utah Jazz and former head coach Jerry Sloan. This sort of media interest is unusual for a Jazz organization usually flying below the radar, particularly when dealing with off-court issues. 

The man behind the speculation in Utah: Deron Williams.  

The 26-year old has been with Utah since he was drafted as the third overall pick in the 2005 draft. Now, he faces a maelstrom of questions.

This is new for the team and the 6-3 point guard out of Parkersburg, West Virginia. 

Just recently the Jazz were running their usual course under long-time coach Sloan. The now-famous "Sloan-Williams" conflict occurred last Wednesday during halftime of Utah's game against Chicago.  It was a game they would go on to lose.

Deron Williams has gone on record saying that the argument "didn't end too well." Within hours, Sloan had resigned. 

Sloan felt betrayed by his organization, sensing the organization's loyalty lay with the point guard instead of with him. 

But now that Sloan is out of the picture, rumors continue to circle Williams. Is he staying with the team?

If not, here is a look at the top ten teams that could use a guy averaging 21.6 PPG and 9.6 APG this season.  

10. Charlotte Bobcats

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 12: Zaza Pachulia #27 of the Atlanta Hawks battles for a rebound against Gerald Wallace #3 and Stephen Jackson #1 of the Charlotte Bobcats at Philips Arena on February 12, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ack

The Charlotte Bobcats are eight games under .500. They could certainly look to make a move before the trade deadline.

With an abundance of interior players, Charlotte lacks depth at the guard position. 

A young D.J. Augustin and Sherron Collins could learn from Deron Williams. Mohammed, Livingston, Brown, Diop, and Diaw are all pieces the Jazz could add as role players in a Williams trade. 

It's a stretch for Deron to want to leave Utah for Charlotte. But if he's truly unhappy, anything could happen.

9. Portland Trail Blazers

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 15: Guard Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center on December 15, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User

The Trail Blazers are clinging to the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference, just one game over the Memphis Grizzlies. 

Portland's success in the last several years could remain promising with Williams as a third partner to LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy.

An aging Andre Miller is simply not going to lead this team to the NBA Finals, and I think the city of Portland recognizes that. 

Williams wouldn't mind going to the Trail Blazers to play with former teammate Wesley Matthews, along with B-Roy and LaMarcus. 

It could be a good fit for Williams in Portland, should the Blazers look to make a move.  

8. Dallas Mavericks

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 10: Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, uses a personal electonic device as he sits on the bench during warm ups against the Denver Nuggets during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on February 10, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The N

Owner Mark Cuban is never satisfied. The Mavs are 38-16, off to a promising start under head coach Rick Carlisle. With Caron Butler out, the Mavs are still getting used to the guys they're moving forward with. 

What a mature move it would be by Jason Kidd to let a young gun like Deron Williams come in and ease some of his responsibilities at point guard. I'm not saying Kidd doesn't have game anymore, but his window for winning a championship now is about as small as Brett Favre's. 

If Dallas added Deron Williams, they would be a championship-caliber team. We know if Williams is on the move, Cuban will be too.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 03: Michael Beasley #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a foul called against him in the second half against the Boston Celtics on January 3, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Timberwolve

Minnesota is 13-41, and no one knows why. They have Beasley, K-Love, Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster, Darko Millicic and a ton of young talent. 

Head coach Kurt Rambis is begging for a point guard to run his team. Not to say that Johnny Flynn and Luke Ridnour aren't productive, but they just aren't getting it done right now for Minnesota. 

With one of the game's best young big men in Kevin Love, Williams might consider this an option. I know Rambis would be in favor.

6. Detroit Pistons

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 26: (L-R) Tayshaun Prince #22 and Richard Hamilton #32 of the Detroit Pistons sit on the bench in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Palace of Aub

Detroit is one of the most exciting rosters in the NBA. Unfortunately, excitement doesn't win games. What the Pistons need is direction. 

Deron Williams clearly knows how to run an offense. With Prince, Hamilton, and Ben Wallace still veterans of the 2004 championship Pistons team, D-Williams could certainly boost this team into playoff contention. 

The Pistons have to go and get a point guard that commands respect—that's all they need.

5. Sacramento Kings

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 21: DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Sacramento Kings goes up for a shot against Vladimir Radmanovic #77 of the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on January 21, 2011 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

I hear the Kings aren't doing too well? I think I heard correctly. Sacramento is not happy, and neither is DeMarcus Cousins. 

I'd love to see Williams and Cousins together, but I don't think that's going to happen. If the Kings want Williams, they'll have to give up their big man—and maybe more. 

The reason Sacramento makes this list is because they are desperate. If Williams is looking to get out, you have a pair of desperate parties. 

4. Los Angeles Lakers

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 14: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers checks on fallen teammate Pau Gasol #16 in the game against the New Jersey Nets at Staples Center on January 14, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 100-88. NOTE TO USER:

Everyone is talking about Carmelo Anthony going to Los Angeles. He could fit, but the Lakers might lose more than they gain with Melo. 

If LA went for Williams, they would be hands down the best team in the league. As long as Gasol and Kobe remained on the roster after a Utah-LA trade, the Lakers would benefit enormously.

Imagine Williams running the point for the "Show." Sorry, LeBron, it's never going to happen.

3. Atlanta Hawks

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 12: Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Charlotte Bobcats at Philips Arena on February 12, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, b

If Atlanta landed Deron Williams, they would be the next big thing in the NBA.

Standing at fifth in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks tease their fans into thinking they could win a playoff series. And with Williams—they might.

Atlanta just paid Joe Johnson a small fortune, and obviously wants to be taken seriously. If Mike Bibby could realize having Deron Williams would help his chances at winning a ring, then the Hawks would be in luck.

I'm in favor of this move, because I think it would be exciting for the East.

2. New Jersey Nets

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 11: Brook Lopez #11 of the New Jersey Nets tries to stop D.J. Augustin #14 of the Charlotte Bobcats during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on February 11, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackn

No one could use Deron Williams like the New Jersey Nets. As much as the Lakers bench looks good in New Jersey's uniform, Farmar and Vujacic simply aren't cutting it. 

Devin Harris and Brook Lopez need help. Right now, the Nets are second-string players from other franchises. 

Imagine an improved roster with Williams, Favors, Lopez, and Harris on a starting five...

That's actually kind of dirty.

1. New York Knicks

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 24: Amare Stoudemire #1 of the New York Knicks during his game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that

Meet the Knicks, meet the Knicks. They'll do anything for a quick little fix. 

Right now, New York is playoff-bound. That's exciting for Manhattan. If you want my two cents on the Williams trade rumors, forget Chris Paul. Deron Williams is a better fit in NYC. 

Amare needs Williams, plain and simple. 

While the Garden is renovating, so should Donnie Walsh. Fields, Chandler, and Randolph have all played  well. But would the Knicks be sad if the trio were traded for Deron Williams?

I didn't think so either.

Williams needs to be in the Big Apple if New York wants a championship.