The defending NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks are looking to bolster their ranks any way they can. The latest news indicates that the team could be interested in obtaining All-Star point guard Deron Williams from the New Jersey Nets.
Tim MacMahon at ESPN Dallas reports that there are rumblings that owner Mark Cuban and the Mavs will be pursuing Williams while the Nets are in town on Tuesday night. Cuban is trying to make a splash and is working with director of basketball operations Donnie Nelson to free up some cash for a big acquisition. MacMahon spoke with Nets head coach Avery Johnson regarding the trade.
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"He's a threat, OK?" Johnson said of Cuban after the Nets' practice Monday night at SMU. "I know the guy. I think because of the success he's had -- and I know he got criticized a lot for quote-unquote having all those years where he didn't win a championship -- but he's had some great success here that rivals any situation. So that's a threat."
Williams was also asked about the rumors, but didn't want to comment on a potential move, but did acknowledge he enjoyed the American Airlines Center and the atmosphere there.
"I'm just going to play out this season and look at my options after this season," Williams said, repeating several variations of that statement during a five-minute session with the media.
"I've always liked playing here," he said. "This is one of my favorite arenas to play in, probably my favorite arena to play in. I just enjoy playing in it. I enjoy playing in front of my friends and family. It's always good for them to get the chance to see me play."
"It's always good when an arena has a lot of energy," Williams said. "Ours doesn't have too much energy."
Williams historically plays well at the American Airlines Center. He's averaged 22.3 points in 10 career games in Dallas. We will have to wait and see whether Williams will be on the plane with his Nets teammates following Tuesday night's game.
For the latest NBA trade rumors out of Dallas, head over to Mavs Moneyball. For updates and perspective on Deron Williams and the New Jersey Nets, head on over to NetsDaily.