Deron Williams is frustrated. The Brookyln Nets are frustrated. It is hard to determine if Williams has really earned his keep on the Nets because he is barely on the court at full health. The point guard continues to struggle with ankle injuries that have hurt his production over the past two years, but when healthy, Williams remains one of the best players in the league. However, the Nets are growing impatient with his inconsistent health and might be making a move sooner rather than later.
Nets' beat writer Devin Kharpertian is writing that both sides are equally frustrated with the way the season ended. At one point, Williams was held scoreless for an entire game. Currently signed to a deal that has $63 million remaining on it, the Nets expect more from their star point guard and Kharpertian writes that has caused the team to briefly consider other options. Pair his lack of postseason production with the fact that Williams could have surgery on both ankles this offseason and Brooklyn has some decisions to make.
"I feel like I've kind of let people down, so I don't like feeling like that," Williams said, via ESPN.com. "I take my job seriously, I work hard in the offseason, I work hard every day. It's just real frustrating not to be able to play how I'm capable of playing. I used to step on the court and feel like I was the best player no matter who I played against, so I gotta get back to that. Even if I'm not the best player on the court, I gotta feel like I am."
Kharpertian writes that despite rumors, Williams has not demanded a trade from Brooklyn, but even if he had, one would be nearly impossible to create. The point guard's contract makes any deal extremely difficult to create. The Houston Rockets were interested during the mid-season trading period, offering Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin in return. That deal would actually work well for the Nets considering Brook Lopez remains out and Lin can be quality when paired with another point guard. The Rockets could revisit the trade if Rajon Rondo is not available.
HoopsHype.com is also suggesting the Toronto Raptors could be interested in acquiring Williams if Kyle Lowry does not re-sign with the team. They have plenty of youth and Williams would be that experienced veteran to guide the young squad that might emerge as one of the best in the league next year.
Right now, Williams is going nowhere. He will continue to get medical opinions on his ankles and until something appears definite, the Nets will turn down all trade offers.
