Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Deron Williams could be headed to the Utah Jazz this summer.
The Cleveland Cavaliers may have signed Deron Williams for the rest of the season as he chases his first NBA championship but Williams is already thinking ahead towards the offseason. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Williams is interested in signing with the Utah Jazz and the Jazz are interested in Williams.
"“Sources told ESPN that Williams is definitely intrigued by the possibility of finishing his career in Utah, where he still maintains a home.”"
Williams, who blossomed with and starred for the Utah Jazz, averaged 16.7 points and 9.0 assists per game in his first four seasons with the club. Before a nasty split between he and the legendary Jerry Sloan caused him to be traded to the New Jersey Nets in 2010-2011, Williams was averaging 21.3 points and 9.7 assists per game in 53 contests.
The New Jersey Nets became the Brooklyn Nets after a relocation and Williams was soon surrounded by Kevin Garnett, Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce as he chased a ring for four injury-riddled and drama-filled seasons. With the Nets, Williams averaged 16.7 points and 7.3 assists from 2011-2015.
In the playoffs, Williams went from averaging 21.1 points and 9.4 assists per game in his first five playoff appearances (four with Utah, one with Brooklyn) to 13.6 points and 5.7 assists per game in the next two for Brooklyn. He averaged 5.0 points and 2.7 assists per game last season for the Mavericks despite starting because he only averaged 16.3 minutes per game.
Nonetheless, Williams, who averaged 13.6 points and 6.6 assists per game in the last two regular seasons he played for the Dallas Mavericks, is still getting it done at this stage of his career although he’s no longer the star he was when he played for the Jazz and Nets.
Sure, it’s evident that he, like any other player, is learning how to adapt to his declining athleticism. His athleticism affects his ability to attack the rim, which impacts his options as a passer but not necessarily his ability to be a floor general. Williams has had one of the best basketball IQ’s in the game since his sophomore season.
The Jazz are interested in Williams because of his play when he was there and his skillset now. They’re also interested in Williams because point guards George Hill and Shelvin Mack are set to hit free agency this summer while Raul Neto will be entering the final season of his contract. The Jazz won’t want to rely on the raw Dante Exum to play a substantial role in his third season.
In that sense, Williams is the smartest option for a playoff team that wants a talented point guard that they don’t have to reach deep in their pockets to acquire.
"“Williams is obviously no longer the star he was during his first stint with the Jazz, which certainly didn’t end well, but he won’t expect to be paid like one either.”"
All in all, Williams isn’t guaranteed to join the Utah Jazz next season but it seems likely. The Cavs, who will have their pick of the litter in free agency with many point guards they were interested in set to be free agents this summer, shouldn’t be worried about the loss although Williams comes with accolades the other point guards don’t have.
The Cavs could sign one of those point guards to be Kyrie Irving’s backup next season. They could also opt to trust Kay Felder with the role. Felder, who has flashed his ability with the Cavs all season, has been assigned to the NBA D-League more often as of late.
Felder is averaging 29.4 points, 5.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game for the Canton Charge. He’s also shooting 47.4 percent from the floor and 35.3 percent from three-point range. Felder, who the Cavs viewed as a first-round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, is undersized but he isn’t short on talent.
Williams’ departure could open up the path for Felder to be the next Isaiah Thomas, a player he’s beginning to emulate more and more on the court.
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What do you think of Deron Williams leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer to sign with the Utah Jazz? Do you think Kay Felder will be ready to be the backup point guard next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.
*Deron Williams stats referenced from www.basketball-reference.com