The good news for Mavericks fans holding out hope that Dallas can call home native son Deron Williams is that the growing buzz around Dwight Howard potentially landing with the Houston Rockets won't affect Williams' decision, according to Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick:
Source close to Brooklyn PG Deron Williams says Houston not likely to be added to his free agency wish list even if the Rockets get Dwight Howard. Williams is focused on the Nets or Dallas, his hometown team. If Williams felt differently and headed for Houston, and Howard signed the extension that no one thinks he'd ever sign, I'm guessing Rockets GM Daryl Morey would then be given a 27-year extension of his own.
Obviously, one scenario analysts and reporters have projected since the lockout had been Dallas finding a way to trade for both Williams and Howard.
For more on the 2012 NBA Draft, check out Mavs Moneyball and SB Nation's NBA page.