After being stretched/bought out by the Brooklyn Nets, Deron Williams has officially signed with the Dallas Mavericks, the team announced Tuesday evening. Williams’ deal will be for two years, worth $10 million with a player option for the second year.
When Williams expressed his desire to part ways with Brooklyn to join Dallas, the Nets granted his wish almost immediately by buying out his $43.3 million contract using the stretch provision. This allowed the Nets to shed a ton of salary and Williams to head to his hometown.
After the Mavericks were duped by DeAndre Jordan, they were left with very little free agent choices but a lot of money to spend. They made a quick deal to acquire Zaza Pachulia, and have now found a point guard they could rely on with ball handling and play making responsibilities.
Despite Williams being labeled a “coach killer” due to his track record of initiating disputes with head coaches, the Mavericks feel that he would fit right in and thrive under coach Rick Carlisle. Williams joins a Dallas roster that now has a logjam at the point guard position. It will be interesting to see how Carlisle will utilize all four of his point guards – Williams, J.J. Barea, Devin Harris, Raymond Felton - or if management will look to deal one in a potential trade.
Nonetheless, Deron Williams will be the expected starter in the backcourt with newly acquired two guard Wesley Matthews when the regular season kicks off. Last season, D-Will averaged 13.0 points, 6.6. assists, and 3.5 rebounds. He lost his starting job to Jarrett Jack at one point of the season, but Williams was still able to play make at a substantially high level.
The Mavericks are not finished just yet. They still have cap room to spend on bench players. Dallas is highly likely to add a shot blocking big very soon and is reportedly interested in JaVale McGee, Samuel Dalembert, and Ryan Hollins.