Deron Williams is probably one of the biggest marquee free agents this summer, and while the Brooklyn Nets figure to get their shot in, he'll be taking a look at free agency at other places that have the cap space to grab him.
Williams might have another team in mind that he wants to join: The Los Angeles Lakers. Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated filed this report.
For the Lakers, Williams could be a possibility if Howard is not. A source close to the three-time All-Star said he would be interested in joining the Lakers, though it would have to be via a sign-and-trade deal. (Lakers point guard Ramon Sessions, who was acquired from Cleveland at the trade deadline, has a $4.5 million player option for next season.) The source said Williams' preference, however, is for the Nets to improve the roster sufficiently enough that he can feel good about staying put rather than fear a repeat of this season, when they finished 22-44. As for Dallas, which sacrificed its best chance to defend the title by preserving salary-cap space last summer in anticipation of this free-agent class, the source said of the Mavericks: "There's no longevity there." If owner Mark Cuban can clear enough space to sign a worthy sidekick for Williams, though, then maybe Williams would join his hometown team after all.
It's likely Los Angeles would have to part with either Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum to land Williams, but the resulting backcourt of Bryant and Williams could compete to be one of the best in the Western Conference.
Talk about Williams with Lakers fans at Silver Screen and Roll. Learn more about Williams from Mavericks fans at Mavs Moneyball.
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