Deron Williams and the decision: The wait is on
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| ESPN Dallas' Chuck Cooperstein says if Deron Williams wants to win, he'll go to Dallas. If Williams wants money, he'll go back to the Nets. That could change if the Nets land Dwight Howard though. Listen  |
The Dallas Mavericks made their pitch first, closely followed by the Brooklyn Nets. Now both franchises await All-Star point guard Deron Williams' final decision, one that has anxiously awaited and hotly debated.
Did the Nets' Monday trade for Joe Johnson and his massive contract -- an acquisition that effectively takes the indecisive Dwight Howard off the table this year and likely next -- convince Williams to stay or to flee?
The Mavs' recruiting team included president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson, head coach Rick Carlisle and special assistant Michael Finley. They laid out a history of shrewd decisions, Dirk Nowitzki, a family culture and winning basketball. They hope it's enough to offset the fact that Brooklyn can offer Williams a five-year deal worth close to $100 million while the Mavs are locked into a four-year contract for about $75 million.
The Nets also met with the Steve Nash and say they are interested in the 38-year-old former two-time MVP, with or without Williams. The Mavs will be dialing up Nash quickly if Williams opts to become the face of the new Brooklyn franchise.
Nash already has a significant offer from the Toronto Raptors -- three years and $36 million -- and the New York Knicks are attempting to get Nash to Manhattan, perhaps with a sign-and-trade with the Phoenix Suns.
As for Williams, he has the information, he's met with the clubs. It's time for a decision.
And don' forget about Jason Kidd, who could well be on his way to Brooklyn if Williams stays, or ready to back him up with the Mavs.
Stay tuned.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Tim MacMahon
Tim MacMahon joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. Tim covers the Cowboys and Mavericks. He has covered the local sports scene from high schools to colleges to pros during his six-year tenure at The Dallas Morning News. MacMahon is a graduate of UNT.
Marc Stein
Marc Stein began writing for ESPN.com in 2000 and signed on full-time in 2002 as Senior NBA Writer. He also makes regular appearances on "SportsCenter," "NBA Shootaround," "NBA Fastbreak," "NBA Coast To Coast," ESPNEWS, ESPN "First Take" and ESPN Radio.
103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS
Play Podcast Rick Carlisle joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Mavericks news, Dirk Nowitzki and much more.
Play Podcast ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett discuss the upcoming NBA draft and possible moves the Mavericks could make.
Play Podcast ESPN NBA analyst Jalen Rose joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to talk about the NBA playoffs.
Play Podcast Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle gives his take on the contrasting styles of the Pacers and Knicks, Carmelo Anthony, Bulls-Heat, Tom Thibodeau, the state of the West and more.
Play Podcast Chuck Cooperstein joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to talk about who he would rather have if forced to choose between Dwight Howard and Chris Paul.
Play Podcast Tim MacMahon joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the possibility of Chris Paul joining the Mavericks and break down what kind of pitch Mark Cuban would have to make to the NBA's best point guard.
Play Podcast ESPN.com senior NBA writer Marc Stein joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to touch on the storylines in the NBA playoffs and offer a Mavs perspective.
Play Podcast Rick Carlisle joins Chuck Cooperstein and Tim MacMahon to discuss the Mavericks' disappointing season and what needs to happen for them to get back to the playoffs.
TEAM LEADERS
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Dirk Nowitzki
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| OTHER LEADERS | ||||||||||||
| Rebounds | S. Marion | 7.8 | ||||||||||
| Assists | D. Collison | 5.1 | ||||||||||
| Steals | D. Collison | 1.2 | ||||||||||
| Blocks | E. Brand | 1.3 | ||||||||||
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