Deron Williams is the top free agent on the market, and he reportedly has finalized the list of teams he’s considering signing with to the Nets and Mavericks.
Marc Stein reports that Williams has instructed his representative to tell interested teams that call when free agency begins that he’s only considering those two franchises.
Williams was traded to the Nets two seasons ago and was said to be “leaning” toward re-signing with them now that they’re moving to Brooklyn. He’s also said to be considering the Mavericks, which are his hometown team. A February report said Williams told some Mavericks players that he wanted to play with them back when they were in the Finals a year ago.
Williams reportedly has enjoyed his time living on the East Coast while playing for the Nets, but he may choose to base his decision on which team he believes is the closest to winning a title.
“I want to go to a place where I feel like they will have a chance to build and build fast,” Williams told the LA Times earlier this month. “I’m not really in the mood for being part of a rebuilding process. I’m getting older. I’m about to be 28. I want to win. I want to win now. Also, I want to live in a place where I want to live and my kids will enjoy living. That’s pretty much it.”
The Suns and Rockets reportedly are also interested in signing Williams, while the Lakers reportedly are trying to trade for him. A May report suggested Williams was considering the Lakers, but they may not be willing to offer the Nets something enticing enough for a trade.
Unless there are assurances the Mavs can add some other free agents, we’re guessing Williams re-signs.
