Deron Williams takes Nets’ $98 million deal
The social media world being what it is, the NBA’s top free agent this summer Tweeted his much-anticipated decision on where he would sign a lucrative new contract.
“Made a very difficult decision today” the Tweet read. Next to it was a photo of the Brooklyn Nets’ logo, ending the waiting game happily for the team formerly in New Jersey and unhappily for his hometown Dallas Mavericks.
It was a decision that will pay him $98 million over five years, according to sources.
The Mavs could only offer four years, $75 million based on the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.
Williams had said he was willing to re-sign with the Nets, assuming they put the right pieces around him.
The Nets, under the direction of GM Billy King and assistant GM Bobby Marks, have been aggressive in doing just that this off-season, re-signing forward Gerald Wallace and trading for six-time all-star guard Joe Johnson. They also reached a verbal agreement with Bosnian forward Mirza Teletovic and executed a sign-and-trade for rugged rebounder Reggie Evans. All deals at this point are verbal agreements as no moves can be made official until July 11.
Re-signing restricted free agent center Brook Lopez would likely be Brooklyn’s next priority, if it doesn’t move him in a blockbuster trade for Orlando’s Dwight Howard, who has said he wants to be traded to Brooklyn.
Williams has said he’s enjoyed living in Manhattan with his family and has also enjoyed all the marketing opportunities he’s been afforded. He has also forged strong relationships with King and coach Avery Johnson.
