NBA Trade Rumors: Should Nets Trade Deron Williams If He Doesn't Sign Extension?

Deron Williams instantly changed the culture of the New Jersey Nets once he was acquired from the Utah Jazz in late February.

Though his lingering wrist injury caused him to play just 12 games, the signs of improvement were definitely apparent.

However, Williams will be a free agent following next season, and he may decide to pursue other opportunities.

If he doesn’t agree to an extension, the Nets should look to trade him in order to receive as much value in return as possible.

Here are five things for the Nets to consider when thinking about a trade.

5. Can Get Serious Value

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: #8 Deron Williams of the Nets in action during the NBA match between New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena on March 4, 2011 in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

If Deron Williams returns healthy for this season, he will continue his reign as one of the NBA’s top point guards.

He’ll continue to rack up the assists playing a full season with Brook Lopez and hopefully Kris Humphries—he’s a free agent this summer—finishing down low.

If he doesn’t agree to an extension with the Nets, other teams will step up their pursuit of Williams sooner rather than later.

The Nets will want serious value in return, and if they can find a team that will work out a contract with Williams, New Jersey should be able to work out a favorable deal.

New Jersey’s demands can’t be too high, since a team could be patient and wait to sign Williams during free agency. However, if the Nets’ demands are fair, they could land with a package of young talent.

4. Nets Would Need to Acquire Young Point Guard

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: #8 Deron Williams of the Nets in action during the NBA match between New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena on March 4, 2011 in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

The Nets would want to acquire a good young point guard in any deal for Deron Williams.

Though the Nets would love to highlight Williams as they prepare to move to Brooklyn in two years, a young, energetic point guard could also fit the bill.

There aren’t too many out there, so the Nets would have to search for the right deal with a team that is also interested in signing Williams to an extension—a task that is much easier said than done.

Even after his surgery, Williams may still have some wrist concerns, which might cause teams to be skeptical. This is another major consideration in making a deal.

3. Uncertainty About Him

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Deron Williams of the Nets looks on during the NBA match between New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena on March 4, 2011 in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downlo

Deron Williams hasn’t officially ruled out signing an extension with the Nets.

With the team moving to Brooklyn, Williams will have a chance to be the face of the franchise for a team playing in a huge media market.

He’d be a perennial All-Star and could even compete for a few championships if the Nets add other talented pieces around him.

Much will depend on if the Nets can make a play for Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. If the Nets can somehow pry Howard away from the Magic and lock him up to a long-term contract, Williams may follow suit.

The Nets have the money to get this done, but would Howard and Williams be willing to pay their dues in New Jersey before moving on to New York?

2. Depends on How Nets Play This Season

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Deron Williams of the Nets in action during the NBA match between New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena on March 4, 2011 in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downl

If Deron Williams leads the Nets to being a competitive team, New Jersey will look to hang onto him at least until the end of the season.

A full season of Williams should allow the Nets to compete for at least the seventh or eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.

If the team plays very well with Williams, he may see the potential in the team to be a perennial contender, especially if they add a few necessary pieces.

The Nets will need Williams if they have any shot at making the playoffs.

The other argument, however, is that the Nets should trade him during the season if they feel they can’t compete with the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat even with Williams.

A first round playoff exit is almost as bad as not even making the playoffs, so the Nets will have some tough decisions to make.

1. Verdict

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: #8 Deron Williams of the Nets in action during the NBA match between New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors at the O2 Arena on March 4, 2011 in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

Naturally, the Nets will do whatever they can to sign Deron Williams to a long-term extension.

However, if he doesn’t agree to remain a Net, it shows that his heart is truly not with the franchise.

If that’s the case, the nets should look to unload him for several young talented players who will play their hearts out for New Jersey/Brooklyn.

If Williams is healthy, there should be many teams vying for his services. A deal would likely include a team prepared to offer Williams a contract extension.

This will be a big season for the Nets, as the team’s future will be shaped by one key player.