Deron Williams will stay with the New Jersey Nets – NBA Update
New Jersey Nets super star Deron Williams has assured fans that he doesn’t have plans to leave the franchise.
The talented point guard only joined the Nets last season but had earlier said that he would be opting out of his current deal at the end of the 2011-2012 season.
Not to worry though, as Williams says that the situation with the contract makes sense because of the rules in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. He intends to resign with the Nets after opting out, in the process increasing
his earnings and the length of contract.
"My plan is to stay," Williams said during an interview with WFAN radio Monday.
The player was 90 percent sure he would remain with the Nets in the long term and had plans for being successful with the team. He also encouraged the inclusion of more players in order to compete better in the coming season.
"Hopefully we get some good talent in here to where I can stay."
On a question of leaving the club to join neighbouring franchise, the New York Knicks, Deron had a straight reply.
"That would be very unlikely," he said, despite the fact that he could become part of a star trio through such a move, with the likes of Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire already in New York.
Once Deron opts out of his contract, he can sign on again for a larger 5 year contract that would mean an estimated $30 million in increased earnings. He wouldn’t get a 5 year contract anywhere else, so it’s not likely for him
to leave New Jersey.
"Financially it makes sense for me to opt out," Williams said. "It has nothing to do with the Nets. I love the organization."
The player is also passionate about the project with the Nets. He knows that the franchise isn’t soaked in a history of success like some other big names in the area, but he was confident he could help them get there and was excited
about the club’s move to Brooklyn.
"We don't have a storied franchise like the Knicks, Lakers or Celtics do," Williams said. "But we could build that, especially going to Brooklyn."
Williams is back in the United States after spending quite a lot of time away in Turkey. The player signed for Turkish club Besiktas during the lockout and looks back fondly at the experience.
"It was a great experience," Williams said, "a bright spot of the lockout for me."
"One day I woke up and it was over," Williams said, referring to the sudden end of the lockout.
Now he is ready and in better shape than most, just waiting for the season to begin.
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