The Brooklyn Nets might not want to admit it to themselves, but Deron Williams was one of their biggest issues last season. Yes, Williams is the franchise star. Yes, he is one of the best point guards in the league when he is healthy. The issue is that he was rarely healthy last year and left the Nets shorthanded more than once. His disappearance in the postseason certainly did not help. With his health and future on the fritz, could several teams be preparing a trade offer for the Brooklyn star?
First thing first, the Nets have not announced Williams is available for trades nor has any team made it official that they are in pursuit of the point guard. However, things are starting to stack up against Williams. He is currently undergoing tests and might have to have surgery on both ankles in the offseason. Williams stressed that they procedures were simply to clean things out, but it is surgery none the less. The Nets are coming off a disappointing finish to the 2013-14 season and do not have many trade pieces to help with improvement. Williams would bring in value.
That beings said, the International Business Times is reporting that the Los Angeles Lakers are a candidate to make a run at Williams this offseason. Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News is reporting that Mitch Kupchak is shopping a top draft pick and another late-round draft pick in order to get impact players. Williams fits the mold and a need for Los Angeles.
Right now, the Lakers are dealing with Steve Nash and his uncertainty for next season. While the veteran notes he intends to play one more season, that will be determined by his health. The Lakers had interest in Williams when he was a free agent and could take another look at him if available. The issue is that the point guard is owed $19.8 million next season and that would kill the $25 million in cap space the team has currently. However, if the Lakers are in a "win-now" mindset with Kobe Bryant hitting 36, the addition of Williams would help.
The future of the point guard could be determined by Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Garnett has one more year remaining on his deal and while it is hard to imagine him skipping out on another $12 million, he could opt to retire this offseason. Pierce is set to be a free agent and like Garnett, only has so many years left in the tank. He wants to win. Re-signing with Brooklyn gives him a chance, but that is to be determined.
If Williams is dealt, the Nets could target several players on the market. Kyle Lowry will certainly be a top target this offseason and could fill a major need while helping bring youth into the lineup. Eric Bledsoe is another strong option. Right now, all signs point to Brooklyn retaining Williams, but do not put anything past owner Mikhail Prokhorov.
