Deron Williams may not play for the New Jersey Nets beyond 2012

Deron Williams Traded to Nets

Deron Williams, the superstar guard traded by the Utah Jazz to the New Jersey Nets, said his playing days for his new team may not go beyond 2012 when his current contract expires.

In exchange for Williams, the Nets had to give up No. 3 pick Derrick Favors, point guard Devin Harris and two first round picks. Williams said he knows the Nets gave up a lot to get him but would want to see how his new team progresses through next year.

"I'm just looking forward to the opportunity right now," the two-time All-Star said when the Nets introduced him at a news conference today. "I can't really give any assurances or say that I'll be here, when I don't know what the future holds."

The trade of Deron Williams from Utah was a surprise because he was the team's franchise player. But management was afraid he will not re-sign after his deal expires. A spat with former coach Jerry Sloan may also have contributed to the decision.

"It wasn't that I wasn't happy, I was just shocked," he said. "It was very unexpected. You don't hear any rumors and then all of a sudden you're getting treatment with your teammates and you learn that you just got traded."

The New Jersey Nets were actively pursuing Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets all season. But the All-Star forward did not want to sign an extension with the Nets as part of a trade. Anthony was traded instead to the New York Knicks. The Nets then went ahead with an alternative and bold move, getting another marquee player in Deron Williams.

Posted by Andre Monohan on Friday February 25 2011, 4:35 AM EST. Ref: Bloomberg. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0