Nets fans can breathe a sigh of relief after their free-agent point guard, Deron Williams, announced he made a “tough decision” and will remain with the team that traded for him last year.
Williams, one of the top free agents on the market, decided to make the move to Brooklyn with the rest of the organization and will take part in the team’s first season at the Barclays Center.
The Associated Press reported that Williams struck a deal that will pay him $98 million over the next five years. Williams chose the Nets over the Mavericks, which hoped the point guard’s desire to return home would be more appetizing than leading the Nets into a new era in Brooklyn.
Williams revealed his decision on Twitter, saying, “Made a very tough decision today,” and linked to an image of the Nets’ new black-and-white logo.
Williams’ “touch decision” was probably made easier because of the fact that the Nets were able to offer him one extra year and $26 million more than any other team, according to reports.
The new deal has not been made official because players can’t sign contracts until July 11.
The move by the Nets comes one day after the team agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Hawks that will bring All-Star guard Joe Johnson to Brooklyn. The team is also reportedly still discussing a possible trade with the Orlando Magic that would bring center Dwight Howard to Brooklyn, his preferred destination, according to multiple reports.
The Nets also agreed to a new deal with forward Gerald Wallace.
