The Brooklyn Nets do not have plans to buy out Deron Williams despite being in the middle of trade speculations owing to the NBA guard’s dip in performance.
Williams has two years remaining in his hefty contract with the Nets and some believe that the athlete has not been proving worthy of that value. Last season, Williams’ numbers were far from impressive as he was only able to show 13 points and 6.6 assists per games capped with a career-worst 38.7% from the field.
The player has been the subject of trade speculations even before the February NBA trade deadline though his fat contract was something other teams were concerned of. As it stands now, the scenario is still the same but general manager Billy King stressed that the Nets have no intention of buying out Williams nor using the stretch provision as well.
The Williams issue is part of that celebrate letter which came out for Nets season-ticket holders.
Many noticed that the names of Williams and (Joe) Johnson were not mentioned in the list, leading to wild speculations that both could end up being released or traded soon. Salaries were of course traced as the issue since both carry humongous contracts.
Williams is owed $21 million next season and $22.3 million in the final year. Johnson is in his final year where he will earn $24.9 million.
King stressed that the reason for the omission of their names were not meant to slight Williams and/or Johnson, acknowledging what the two have already proven and brought to the team and the league.
The immediate goal of the Nets is to avoid being a taxpayer but all that could be futile as they made it known they intend to keep Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young. That could entail fat contract which in all nullifies their intent.
King did add, however, that they could be resorting to trades to somehow close the gap.
Williams was not readily mentioned but he did hint that Joe Johnson and Jarrett Jack are candidates that could be moving out.
Based on what Johnson and Jack can give to a team, there should be taker though like Williams, salary could be an issue.
Williams may likely follow the route as well and like what is was believed before, all that would depend if any team would take a chance on Williams despite the so-so performance he has turned in last season.