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Deron Williams News & Rumors

Nets' Williams gets All-Star nod
February 10
New York Post
 
"If the All-Star weekend in Orlando is going to be a celebration of Dwight Howard by the Magic, the Nets will have an inside man to whisper words like "Brooklyn … Prokhorov … business opportunities" in the superstar center's ear throughout the event. And that would be Deron Williams. Williams, a close friend of Howard, became the sixth Nets point guard in the team's NBA era to be selected to play in an All-Star Game when he was announced among the reserves selected by a ballot of coaches last night. "Definitely, it's an honor to make the All-Star team," said Williams, an All-Star with Utah in 2010 and 2011. "I've made it twice [before], and it's always great to go down there and be a part"
Deron's not down on Pistons
February 8
New York Post
 
"As the Nets begin a home-and-home set with the 6-20 Pistons tonight at Prudential Center, they have a pair of golden opportunities to begin to create some positive momentum after losing three straight games. Of course, considering the Nets are merely 8-18 this season, there's little doubt the Pistons are thinking the same thing. "I'm never gonna overlook anybody, or belittle anybody," Deron Williams said after yesterday's practice. "They're a good team, an NBA team . . . they have great players on that team, they have a good coach. "Anything can happen, but it's definitely a team we think we can compete with and beat on any night, and we're going to try to do that.""
Deron-Rose only attraction in Nets loss
February 7
New York Post
 
"The game featured two of the NBA's premier point guards, Deron Williams of the Nets and reigning MVP Derrick Rose of the Bulls. Williams deftly side-stepped and squashed any of the one-on-one angles of the game. "I like playing the best, and he's the best," Williams said while stressing, "It's not about me versus Derrick Rose. It's about the Bulls versus the Nets." Yeah, but him versus Derrick Rose was a heckuva lot more interesting than Bulls versus Nets, even if Rose lasted just one half before sitting with lower back spasms. Bulls versus Nets was a mismatch of Biblical proportions."
Deron's play leading to Nets' gain
January 29
New York Post
 
"For three games, Deron Williams was an assist machine: First 10, then 14, then 13, or 12.3 per. And he also averaged 13.7 points in those games earlier this month. The Nets lost all three. So the Nets went to Phoenix and it was suggested (implored, pleaded, begged, threatened to have loved ones taken hostage) Williams should look to score more. That was nine games ago. Nine games and 199 Williams points — or 22.1 points per game — ago. The Nets have gone 5-4 in those games and have added words like "playoffs" to their vocabulary. "My teammates are really encouraging me that I need to be aggressive and pretty much told me I need to score for us to be successful," said Williams, who will"
Williams' clutch 3 in overtime fuels Nets
January 26
New York Post
 
"For more than 48 minutes, the underdog, undermanned Nets battled the 76ers on their own court and gave everything they had. Then with 1:21 left in overtime, it looked as if the Nets gave something else — the game — to the Sixers when an errant inbounds pass turned into a breakaway score. But Deron Williams simply would not accept defeat. "At the end of the game, we basically put the ball in Deron's hands and said, 'Take us home' and that's what he did," coach Avery Johnson said approvingly. And — marketing people take note — Williams and all the Nets had one response: "I love it." That's the new team motto, Williams inspired. Don't think too hard, just accept."
Gritty Williams, Nets find a way
January 23
New York Post
 
"With injuries, late signings and all the scheduling goodies the NBA has dumped upon them, the Nets looked at their current plight and saw that delightful little scenario known as the back-to-back-to-back death march, three games in three nights. Last night they were in the middle of that horror. They had already completed the first segment, a loss to the Thunder on Saturday. Looking ahead, they saw the best team on the planet, the Bulls, in Chicago tonight. It's not being overly negative to say no one feels all warm and fuzzy about the Nets' prospects there. So they needed the middle segment last night against the struggling Bobcats. Needed it real bad. So they went after it early,"
Deron rips Nets' home after Thunder-ous loss
January 22
New York Post
 
"No one is happier that the Nets are moving to Brooklyn than Deron Williams. "I don't like this arena one bit," Williams said after the Nets lost to the Thunder, 84-74, last night at Prudential Center. "But, it's a good thing it's not our arena next year. "Even last year, it just doesn't feel like our home arena. I don't know why. It just doesn't feel like it." Williams, a potential free agent whom the Nets hope to retain as the headliner for their new digs at Barclays Center next season, cited the sight lines inside Prudential Center, not built strictly for basketball, as part of the issue. "It just doesn't have good vision," Williams said. "The depth perception's not there.""
Williams could be Lakers' safety Net
January 21
L.A. Daily News
 
"If the Lakers do not trade for Dwight Howard before the March 15 deadline, and all signs point to them taking a pass if it means sending Andrew Bynum and/or Pau Gasol to get him, there could be another possible deal to be made. Deron Williams could be available in a trade if his team, the New Jersey Nets, can't complete a deal with the Orlando Magic for Howard. Williams would like to stay with the Nets if they acquire Howard, according to ESPN The Magazine. The Lakers tried and failed to address their need to upgrade at point guard when they sought to acquire Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets last month. Williams could be the next best option, if the Nets decide to trade him."
Report: Mavs 'likeliest landing spot' for Deron Williams in free agency
January 21
Dallas Morning News
 
"The New Jersey Nets hope to hang on to their superstar point guard, Deron Williams, beyond this year. But as the Nets wallow at the bottom of the Eastern Conference again, whispers are growing louder that Williams won't stick around with his current club unless it brings in another star to play alongside him -- like Orlando's Dwight Howard. And according to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the Mavericks are a good bet to land the guard if he makes it to free agency. "A native of Dallas, Williams is also fond of the idea of playing for the Mavericks," Broussard wrote. "Dallas lacks the pieces to pull off a trade, but if Williams becomes a free agent and the Nets don't get Howard, the Mavericks, who"
Nets' Deron Williams has wish list
January 21
ESPN.com
 
"Deron Williams' first choice is to stay with the Nets and to build something special in Brooklyn, but if it doesn't work out with his current team, his short list of desirable destinations includes the Mavericks, the Knicks and the Lakers, according to sources close to the situation. While the league's post-lockout trade buzz has been centered on Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, little attention has been paid to Williams, who like Howard can opt out of his contract and become a free agent after this season. Williams has publicly stated his desire to re-sign with the Nets, and New Jersey, which views him as a building block for next season's move to Brooklyn, has refused to entertain potential"
Nets' Deron Williams has wish list
January 20
ESPN.com
 
"Deron Williams' first choice is to stay with the Nets and to build something special in Brooklyn, but if it doesn't work out with his current team, his short list of desirable destinations includes the Mavericks, the Knicks and the Lakers, according to sources close to the situation. While the league's post-lockout trade buzz has been centered on Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, little attention has been paid to Williams, who like Howard can opt out of his contract and become a free agent after this season. Williams has publicly stated his desire to re-sign with the Nets, and New Jersey, which views him as a building block for next season's move to Brooklyn, has refused to entertain potential"
Will Lakers try for Deron Williams?
January 19
ESPN.com
 
"Deron Williams emerged from the training room looking tired and drawn. While reporters huddled around teammates Kris Humphries and Jordan Farmar, Williams sat quietly at his locker, holding his cell phone and stroking the bottom of his goatee. He was too upset to get dressed or soak his feet in the ice bucket in front of him, or to read through any of his texts. This season isn't even a month old, but it's obviously wearing already on Williams. His New Jersey Nets have lost 11 of their first 14 games after Monday's listless 101-91 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Center Brook Lopez is out another couple of months with a broken foot. Dwight Howard isn't arriving anytime soon, if at all."
Mavs landing Dwight Howard, Deron Williams is 'possible if not probable'
January 16
Dallas Morning News
 
"Mark Cuban's decision to play for cap space after the Mavs' title run wasn't too popular when players like Tyson Chandler and J.J. Barea started heading for the exits. But all would be forgiven if Cuban could lure both of the prized free agent targets of next summer -- namely, Deron Williams or Dwight Howard -- to play alongside Dirk in Dallas. Sure, it sounds like a pipe dream, but the odds might be a little better than you think. ESPN's Marc Stein polled representatives from 10 NBA teams during the D-League Showcase last week, asking whether they thought the Mavs had a realistic shot to land both Williams and Howard. "Lots of folks around the league are starting to believe that it's"
Deron Williams doesn't deserve Jazz fans' booing
January 15
Salt Lake Tribune
 columnist Kurt Kragthorpe
"The boos that failed to derail Carlos Boozer and the Chicago Bulls apparently worked against Deron Williams and the New Jersey Nets. In the latest episode of a former Jazz All-Star's homecoming, Williams responded to the anti-welcoming committee with a horrible shooting performance in the Jazz's 107-94 victory Saturday night at EnergySolutions Arena. D-Will deserved better treatment. Some cheers were mixed with the boos during the introductions, but not enough of them. I never like to criticize fans who pay a lot of money to get in the building. Yet I'm not sure those who were doing the booing thought it through, either. If they were punishing Williams for forcing out former coach Jerry"
Deron Williams struggles in return to Utah
January 15
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Deron Williams and his teammates left their legs in Phoenix. Twenty-four hours after energized New Jersey beat the Suns, the Nets ran out of gas in Utah on Saturday night and lost to the Jazz, 107-94. In his homecoming game, Williams struggled as much as anyone. He finished with 16 points, but he missed 12 of his 15 shots. He had five assists, but only one after the middle of the first quarter. "It wasn't a very good one for me, but it was fun to be back in the building and fun to see my ex-teammate," said Williams, who had a season-high 35 points in the Nets' 110-103 win at Phoenix. "That one took a lot out of us. We didn't have any legs, and they looked like a fresh team. They were"
Nets pounded, Williams struggles in Utah return
January 15
New York Post
 
"Deron Williams figured he would hear some was some boos, some cheers. He heard some cheers. But mostly, he heard boos. Lots and lots of boos. "If that's how people want to react, I can't control it. It didn't bother me. I wish I would have played better," said Williams who, well, didn't play well in his initial return to the team where he became an All-Star and heard boos every time he touched the ball. Had this game been in New Jersey, all the Nets would have heard were boos, as the Jazz, with a dominating inside game led by 20-point scorer Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap (18 points), ruined Williams' return by pounding out a 107-94 victory last night."
Williams looking forward to return visit to Utah
January 14
The Deseret News
 
"Deron Williams is about to make his first trip to EnergySolutions Arena as a visitor. Conflicting emotions might bounce around with butterflies underneath his No. 8 Nets jersey tonight, but Williams eagerly anticipates his Utah homecoming — with excitement, not edginess or resentment. "I'm not nervous," Williams said Friday about returning to his old stomping grounds with New Jersey. "I'm excited." Williams, one of the most respected and reviled players in Jazz franchise history, also has a hunch as to how the question du jour will be answered. Will Jazz fans boo or cheer D-Will? Simply put, yes. "I'm sure there are going to be some mixed reviews — people that boo me, people that cheer for"
Deron Williams admits it is difficult to keep his frustrations inside as Nets continue to lose
January 14
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Deron Williams said, first of all, that the left ankle he tweaked Wednesday night in the 123-115 loss to Denver is fine, and he'll play tonight against the Suns. So there's that. As for the question of his mounting frustration with the Nets' nightly losing, Williams said it is tricky trying to keep his emotions in check, while still playing with fire and the necessary hatred of losing. "It's a fine line,'' Williams said at shootaround today at US Airways Center. "People think I'm just being an [expletive], but I just hate to lose. I just don't like losing. I don't sleep well when I lose. It just affects everything I do. So, we've got to turn it around.'' Williams said he understands the"
Williams ejected; New Jersey puts up little resistance
January 12
New York Post
 
"Deron Williams seemed to want to talk about his ejection on technicals last night about as much as he wants to talk about his long-term professional future. But either topic would have seemed more enjoyable than talking about the defensive abomination the Nets rolled out in their 123-115 loss to the Nuggets. The final spread was eight points, but the Nets trailed by 23 at one point and were steamrolled in the first half. "Look at halftime, they had 30 points in the paint and 14 fast-break points. We had 12 points in the paint and four fast-break points," said Williams, who was ejected on a pair of technicals with 3:02 left after registering his third straight double-double with 16 points"
Deron Williams has eyes set on return to Salt Lake
January 12
New York Post
 
"It is still a couple days away, but Saturday's homecoming to Utah already has Deron Williams' attention. "I'm excited," Williams said about his first game in Salt Lake City facing the Jazz. "I spent the first part of my career [there], they gave me my first chance, my first opportunity, my first big contract. So I owe them a lot. I'm looking forward to going back and playing . . . I had a great 5 1/2 years there. Definitely some bumps along the way, just as you would with any franchise." And because of those bumps, Williams expects a mixed reaction."
Deron Williams' return to Salt Lake City is just five days away
January 10
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"D-Will day is less than a week away. Former Jazz guard Deron Williams is scheduled to officially return to EnergySolutions Arena on Saturday, when Utah hosts New Jersey. Much has changed for the Jazz and their former All-Star since Williams was traded Feb. 23. While Williams leads the Nets in average points (17.3), assists (6.9) and steals (1.6), a rebuilding New Jersey team has gone just 9-25 since he arrived and has started 2-7 this season."
Nets can't let Deron leave like LeBron
January 1
New York Post
 
"When the Nets take the court tonight against the Cavaliers, they will be getting a sneak preview of what their future could look like. The Nets will spend this entire season, unless they are able to trade for Dwight Howard, wondering whether or not Deron Williams will re-sign after the season ends and he opts out of the final year of his deal. Cleveland knows that feeling all too well, after going through the exact same situation with LeBron James during the 2009-10 season. The franchise has been reeling ever since "The Decision", when James chose to play with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami in free agency and leave the Cavaliers. His decision left the franchise rudderless, and with"
Nets survive Deron Williams injury scare in loss to Hawks
December 31
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"It was a moment that had to make a Nets fan's heart stop for a split-second. Deron Williams, who had been having his strongest game of the young season, rolled his ankle, came up hobbled, and limped off, with 9:32 to play in tonight's 105-98 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Williams, their point guard, their leader, and the one man who gives the Nets a legitimate chance to win on most nights, might be seriously injured. How much worse could things get for a team that is already missing Brook Lopez? It was quite a relief when Williams returned about three minutes later. Williams said after the game his ankle was fine, and he was more focused on talking about the game and what it means for the"
Williams Looking for Teammates and Continuity
December 29
New York Times
 
"The speculation about whether Williams will re-sign with the Nets after the season and continue to be the face of the franchise in its transition to Brooklyn has been rampant. Unfortunately the team's flaws were apparent in a 106-70 loss to Atlanta on Tuesday night. At a party for him in SoHo after the game he made it clear that the team needed to improve. "We need some more pieces," he said. "There's no secret about that. There's not many starters on our team right now. We have a lot of great role players, a lot of guys who know their job, but in this league you need some top-tier guys so you can get the job done." The Nets made an aggressive push to add the All-Star center Dwight Howard"
As Nets embark upon final season in New Jersey, Deron Williams remains key to the future
December 26
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The star center they sought remains in Orlando. The star center they have is idled with a broken foot. And they can't be sure that their dazzling playmaker, practically new to the team, will stay for long. Here are the Nets, one foot in Newark, another in Brooklyn, approaching a fresh season with a sense of foreboding and even finality. Their 35th, and last, season as the New Jersey Nets begins tonight in Washington, with the optimism usually attached to a season opener muted. Much of the uncertainty is tied to the point guard, Deron Williams, a Net for all of 12 games last season and destined to be a free agent after this season. The Nets need Williams to attract name players like Dwight"
Pressure on Deron as Nets lose Brook
December 24
New York Post
 
"The Nets' season starts in two days. The player who is replacing the injured center was expected to arrive last night. The starting power forward has been in camp three days. The two most expensive free agent signings have totaled three practices. Happy holidays, Nets. Hope you're ready for that season opener Monday at Washington. "We're as ready as we're going to be," Deron Williams said with a shrug. The All-Everything point guard must make it all work, even as guys are introducing themselves to one another."
Deron rips into NBA's Stern
December 12
New York Post
 
"Deron Williams is angry, but not at his team. The Nets point guard directed his wrath yesterday at NBA Commissioner David Stern for killing the trade of Chris Paul to the Lakers. The vetoing of that deal has put other deals on hold — including one that might bring Dwight Howard from Orlando to New Jersey. And Williams said he feels Stern's move has angered players league-wide. "I don't want to get into it. You're fighting a bully. David Stern is a bully," Williams said. "You can't really go up against him."
Deron Williams: 90 percent chance I stay with the Nets
December 7
Dallas Morning News
 
"In the Mark Cuban era, the Mavs have never once had any cap room, let alone the sort of cap room needed to make a significant free agent acquisition. The Mavs seem intent on changing that, even if it means letting a few of their own key players leave. With a slew of contracts set to expire at the end of the season, the Mavericks could potentially be far enough under the NBA salary cap to make a run at one of the big-name free agents -- Chris Paul, Dwight Howard or Deron Williams -- that could hit the market. In order to do that, they might have to let their own free agents like Tyson Chandler and J.J. Barea go elsewhere. But that trio of big free agents next year could really be more like"
Avery: If Deron stays put Nets will be contenders
December 7
New York Post
 
"As the countdown to July 1 and Deron Williams' eventual opt-out begins, coach Avery Johnson said he understands that it's up to the Nets to prove to their star point guard that he should stick around. "We'd rather be in this situation, where there is some more pressure to continue to build our roster, than just to be a team that's a lottery team every year that's always rebuilding," Johnson said yesterday at his first press conference of the season. "At some point, you've got to stop rebuilding and really get in the process of becoming a playoff team.""
Deron Williams open to Nets deal
December 6
ESPN.com
 
"New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams may be opting out of his contract at the end of the 2011-12 season, but no need to worry. Williams doesn't plan on leaving. "My plan is to stay," Williams said during an interview with WFAN radio Monday. "Hopefully we get some good talent in here to where I can stay." Williams estimated that his chances of staying are "90 percent." Williams seemed to dispel any rumors of joining Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire with the New York Knicks. "That would be very unlikely," Williams said."
Williams sees Howard in Brooklyn
December 6
New York Post
 
"When Deron Williams envisions the future, he sees the Nets playing in front of sold-out crowds in Brooklyn. And when he tries to improve the vision, he sees himself playing alongside current Orlando superstar Dwight Howard. Yes, Williams feeding Howard is "in a perfect world," but while Williams does not see himself going anywhere else, the presence of Howard would be all the incentive he needs to re-up long term with the Nets. "I have a strong feeling that I'll re-sign here," Williams said yesterday in lower Manhattan, where he gave off nothing but positive vibes about the chances of his re-signing with the Nets, who can offer him five years and $100-million-plus when he opts out after"
Deron has 'strong feeling' he's staying with Nets
December 6
New York Post
 
"Those shouts of joy emanating around New Jersey and reverberating to Brooklyn Monday were from the Nets hierarchy after they no doubt heard Deron Williams' take on all things Nets, not the least of which is his future with the team. "It's a strong possibility, I have a strong feeling that I'll re-sign here," said Williams who has said he intends to opt out at the end of the season when he can re-sign a five-year deal with the Nets for $100 million, some $42 more than if he signed an extension and about $25 million more than if he opted out and went somewhere else. And the easiest, though certainly not the only way to keep Williams? Get Dwight Howard. "That would be enough to convince me,""
Deron Williams will not sign extension with Nets, agent says
December 2
Bergen Record
 
"Whatever hopes the Nets and their fans had of Deron Williams signing a contract extension this year have been dashed completely. Williams' agent told The Record on Thursday afternoon that his client will opt out of his contract after this season and become a free agent next summer. Williams later tweeted something similar. "Deron will not be signing the extension," Jeff Schwartz told The Record. "Based on the new rules it doesn't make any sense for him to sign the extension. It has nothing to do with how much he likes New Jersey. Because of the rules he's going to play the season out and probably opt out of his deal." The Nets were not blindsided by this. As The Record reported in"
Deron Williams opting out at end of season
December 2
New York Post
 
"Would you walk away from more than $42 million? Neither will Deron Williams. Williams' agent, Jeff Schwartz, informed the Nets that his superstar point guard client will not sign a two-year extension, but instead will opt out of his contract at the end of the season. Assuming he re-signs with the Nets after his opt out, Williams would earn $42,711,249 over extending. Was this a trick question? "Jeff and I had spoken about Deron's contract situation and I am very comfortable with their decision," general manager Billy King said. There are numerous avenues open to Williams, who tweeted: "Don't know why people are tripping just bc I'm opting out doesn't mean that I won't resign with the nets!"
Williams says waiting doesn't rule out Nets
December 2
New York Post
 
"The Nets were not caught by surprise by Deron Williams' agent claiming the point guard would not sign an extension instead of opting out at season's end. "Jeff and I had spoken about Deron's contract situation and I am very comfortable with their decision," Nets general manager Billy King said of agent Jeff Schwartz's proclamation that Williams would not sign an extension. The only surprise would have been if Williams did sign. It makes absolutely no financial sense to extend. Williams is due $16,359,805 this season and $17,779,458 next. Add on the $39,559,293 he could get through a two-year extension and he could earn $57,338,751."
Deron Williams will not sign extension with Nets, agent says
December 1
Bergen Record
 
"The slim hope the Nets had of Deron Williams signing a contract extension has been dashed completely. Williams' agent said his client will play out this season and become a free agent next summer. Deron will not be signing the extension," Jeff Schwartz told The Record this afternoon. "Based on the new rules it doesn't make any sense for him to sign the extension. It has nothing to do with how much he likes New Jersey. Because of the rules, he's going to play the season out and probably opt out of his deal.""
Besiktas retires Williams' jersey after 12 games
November 30
San Antonio Express-News
 
"Deron Williams must have had a memorable career during his short stay with Besiktas in the Turkish League. Despite playing only 12 games with the team, the franchise chose to retire his jersey. Williams averaged 19.7 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 54.9 percent in seven Turkish league games. He had some memorable outings in EuroChallenge, averaging 33.7 points per game on 62.5 percent shooting in three games."
No 'Carmelo rule' in new CBA
November 26
SheridanHoops.com
 
"When it came time to be flexible, the commissioner who once called himself "Easy Dave" moved like he was Shakira. David Stern and the NBA's team owners made concessions on several key issues, both financial and system-related, to get the NBA lockout settled in the wee hours of the morning today at the close of a 15-hour bargaining session. Here are some of the key details of those moves, according to a league source who was privy to the details of the tentative agreement and shared those details with SheridanHoops.com. _ On the financial split, the players will receive between 49 and 51 percent of revenues, depending on annual growth. The players had complained prior to Saturday that the"
Nets' Deron Williams says he and his family are safe following Turkey earthquake
October 24
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Nets point guard Deron Williams, who is playing in Turkey for Besiktas during the NBA lockout, tweeted that he and his family are all right after the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Turkey today. "Thanks everyone for checking on me I'm OK the quake was very far from Istanbul," Williams wrote on his Twitter account a few minutes ago. The quake occurred in Eastern Turkey, hundreds of miles away from Istanbul, where Williams' team is based. Fears are that as many as 1,000 people may be dead after several buildings collapsed in the area."
Dwight stuff may help Nets hang on to Deron
October 18
New York Post
 
"These were words that normally would shake the Nets to attention. Dwight Howard, in a magazine interview, sounded frustrated with Orlando when he said, "I just don't know what else I can do." Again, this was Dwight Howard, the perfect partner for Deron Williams. "There's more you can do in a bigger place. I'm stuck in a tough position because I feel like right now, where I'm at, I've done so much. And I just don't know what else I can do. I can't live for everybody else. I don't know what decision I'm gonna make as of right now. It's been crazy. Everybody wants me to come here, come play here, come to our team, do this," Howard told "Esquire" magazine."
N.B.A. Star Travels a Long Way for a Loss
October 6
New York Times
 
"As N.B.A. players and owners struggled to prevent a labor dispute from disrupting the regular season, one star player did something novel: he played in a basketball game that mattered. Deron Williams, the Nets' point guard, was here Tuesday night with his teammates on Besiktas Milangaz, a professional team from Istanbul playing a game in the Eurocup, a second-tier intercontinental competition. Perhaps Williams wished he had been back at the negotiating table. In a 74-63 loss to host Dexia Mons-Hainaut, he finished with 7 points, 7 assists and 6 turnovers. He shot 3 of 13 from the floor. The loss eliminated Besiktas from the tournament."
Nets guard Williams leaves to play in Turkey
September 3
New York Post
 
"Nets point guard Deron Williams left for Turkey on Thursday to prepare for his time playing there during the NBA lockout, ProBasketballTalk.com reports. Williams, recovering from wrist surgery, signed to play for Besiktas earlier this summer. A free agent after the next NBA season, Williams told The Salt Lake Tribune, "I'm excited. I think it'll be exciting to go over there and play basketball, for one, while everybody else isn't. It'll just be an exciting time for my family. See a new culture." Williams dismissed concerns about the playing conditions in Europe, and those who question his going there."
Upbeat Deron Williams is all smiles during Utah return
August 28
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"The old Jazz crew was reunited, and an upbeat Deron Williams was undeniably happy. Williams joined former Utah teammates Kyle Korver, C.J. Miles and Wesley Matthews on Saturday at The Factory in Lehi, participating in a well-attended charity dodgeball tournament. Williams and Korver co-hosted the event, which benefited the Boys & Girls Club of Midvale via Williams' Point of Hope Foundation and the Seer Group, the Utah branch of the Kyle Korver Foundation. Williams acknowledged that this year's tournament will likely be the last time the event is held in Utah, ending a three-year run, and expects the 2012 version to be based in Chicago. As a result, D-Will decided to go out with a bang."
How the Mavericks could add All-Star Deron Williams
August 19
Dallas Morning News
 
"Can the Mavericks repeat by bringing back their current roster or are a few serious moves needed? When the NBA lockout is lifted, the Mavs will have those decisions to make. But since that bridge might not be crossed for a while, we've turned to the opinion of a national NBA writer. And that expert recently wrote that the aging Dallas lineup needs an injection of youth. "While I fully believe Dirk [Nowitzki] will still be a terrific player, I don't think he'll be good enough to carry a team with no other stars to the title," ESPN's Chris Broussard typed Wednesday . "Thus, it will be time for a change." So how do the Mavericks get younger and stay competitive? It's not simple, but"
Not enough euros in world to make stars go globe-trotting
July 21
CBSSports.com
 columnist Gregg Doyel
"NBA players are about to jump overseas, and not just Deron Williams. Lots of them. Maybe all of them. Amar'e Stoudemire is thinking about it. Kobe Bryant won't rule it out. Dwight Howard. Dwyane Wade. More. Lots more. That's the story, and it reminds me of another story, a story I heard when I myself was a small boy -- a story about another boy. A kid who cried wolf. A liar. That's what this story makes me think. It makes me think NBA players are lying, and worse -- they think we're dumb enough to believe them. Deron Williams? Him, I believe. That cat is just far enough out there -- young, intellectually curious, adventuresome and independent -- to go through with his one-year deal to"
Deron Williams says he officially signs with Turkey team during NBA lockout
July 17
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Deron Williams took to Twitter to announce he has officially signed with a team in Turkey during the NBA lockout. The Nets point guard posted a picture on his Twitter account of Friday's agreement with the Turkish team. He also tweeted: "just made it official, headed to turkey...signed with Beiktas.""
Report: Besiktas, Deron Williams' club, was close to deal with Kobe
July 17
SportingNews.com
 
"Besiktas, the Turkish club that signed New Jersey Nets All-Star Deron Williams, had its accounts frozen in the wake of a soccer match-fixing scandal and it is not permitted to sign players, according to DraftExpress.com's Jonathan Givony. The news comes at an inopportune time for Besiktas -- the club, according to Givony, was on the verge of signing Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant for $450,000 per month. It also has an effect on Williams, who signed his $5 million, one-year deal with Besiktas, where he'll play in the event of a prolonged NBA lockout, on Friday -- the team can't sign Bryant or anyone else."
Report: Deron Williams' contract with Turkish team could be in jeopardy
July 17
Pro Basketball Talk
 
"Allright, so this one's a little complicated. Let's work the NBA angle and go backwards. Deron Williams signed with Besiktas. He even tweeted a photo of the signed contract and everything. But of course, that could get messy if the team can't pay him. There have been concerns about overseas players betting paid in general due to financial concerns of the clubs, but Besiktas is considered a pretty solid club, what with their European football arm and all. Funny story though. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express reports that Besiktas' accounts are frozen in connection with allegations of football match-fixing. Whoops. From Reuters: A Turkish court jailed the coach and deputy chairman of Istanbul"
Deron Williams inks deal with Besiktas
July 16
ESPN.com
 
"It's official: New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams will be playing in Turkey next season if there's an NBA lockout. Williams tweeted the signature on his one-year contract with Besiktas late Friday night from his verified Twitter account. "Just made it official, headed to Turkey ...signed with Besiktas & @BJK_Basketbol," he wrote. Williams' contract with Besiktas is worth $5 million, sources told ESPN.com's Chris Broussard. Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia also has an agreement to play for the club, which briefly employed Allen Iverson last season. Sources told ESPN.com's Marc Stein last week that Williams would not be required to report to the Turkish club before the end of"