New Jersey Nets star Deron Williams wants future resolved before London Olympics – NBA Update
The London Olympics are set for this summer and some of the biggest names in basketball will be descending upon the English capital for what promises to be an extravagant affair. New Jersey Nets star Deron Williams is very much part of that list, for now,
but his latest statement could throw his participation into doubt.
The point guard, who is likely to opt out of his deal with the New Jersey Nets now that their season is over, has stated that he would like to have his future decided before going to the Olympics.
"I don't want to play in the Olympics without a contract," said the Nets point guard.
Williams arrived in New Jersey last season from the Utah Jazz, where he had fallen out with the coach and perhaps the management. He is undoubtedly one of the best point guards in the league and will be the most sought after free agent when the summer arrives.
With Williams now declaring he wants to sort his future out before going to the Olympics, it is not clear whether Team USA would name him in the roster, set to be decided in June, as the free agency starts later, in July.
Where Williams will play next season is still far from being clear. His contract with the Nets runs until the end of next season, but the player has a clause to opt out in his contract this summer and he has declared that he will use it.
The Nets are put in a very uncomfortable position because of this. They will be beginning a new era in the franchise’s history next season as they move to Brooklyn, with a new billion dollar arena. The owners have high hopes for the club, but Deron hasn’t
committed to coming back, although he did say the idea appeals to him.
"It would be great to be a part of that first game, first team there, and start our own legacy in Brooklyn," Williams said. "So that's definitely enticing and something I think about on a regular basis."
The deal breaker here is the Nets chances of winning. They had another below par NBA season this year and didn’t even make it to the playoffs. Williams doesn’t want to continue in a team like that, he wants to go somewhere he can maximize his talent and
have a genuine chance of winning.
"That's first and foremost: I'm gonna go where I have the best chance to win," Williams said.
It remains to be seen of the Nets can convince him that he can achieve his goals with them, or if some other team in the NBA can offer him better prospects.
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