Deron Williams: 5 Potential 2016 NBA Free Agency Destinations
Deron Williams used to be considered one of the top point guards in the entire NBA, but injuries derailed his career with the Brooklyn Nets. Looking back to his tenure with the Utah Jazz, there weren’t many players that teams would have preferred to have over Williams.
Looking ahead at the upcoming offseason, 2016 NBA free agency will feature Williams as an option for teams.
While he may not be the player that he once was, there is still hope that he can turn things around. He is just 31-years-old, which leaves him a few more seasons at a high level in the NBA. Williams was able to play in 65 games this season for the Dallas Mavericks, starting in 63 of those appearances.
He ended the season averaging 14.1 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. Williams ended up shooting 41.4 percent from the floor overall and knocked in 34.4 percent of his three-point shots. There may not be a ton of teams with major interest in signing Williams, but there will be a few that will take a risk on him if he chooses to sign with them.
All of that being said, which five teams could be potential free agency destinations for Williams this offseason?
Dallas Mavericks
Mark Cuban could choose to bring Williams back to remain his starting point guard next season. Even though Williams is going to test the free agency market, it doesn’t mean that he will end up leaving. While he did miss some time due to injuries, Williams was still fairly effective this year.
Utah Jazz
How interesting would a reunion between Williams and the Jazz be this offseason? They could use a point guard, although Dante Exum will be back next season. Williams could immediately compete for a big role with the Jazz, who showed that they are a move or two away from being serious playoff contenders in the Western Conference this past season.
Sacramento Kings
It has been reported that the Kings will not get into a bidding war when it comes to Rajon Rondo in free agency. Adding a piece like Williams would be much more affordable. Williams could fit in nicely with DeMarcus Cousins in the front-court, and could add the back-court scoring threat that the Kings are in need of finding.
Indiana Pacers
Larry Bird and the Pacers have been in need of an upgrade at the point guard position for a few years now. They don’t have a ton of money to work with this offseason, and Williams could be a perfect option. He would slide into the starting point guard spot, which would allow George Hill to either slide up to the starting shooting guard role or be an effective scorer from a bench role.
Memphis Grizzlies
This is the weird team that had to be added onto the end of the destination list. Memphis is hoping to re-sign star point guard Mike Conley in free agency, although that is far from being a sure thing. Even if the Grizzlies do re-sign Conley, bringing Williams in as a bench scorer and backup point guard would be a huge step towards championship contention.
All of that being said, it is going to be a very intriguing offseason to keep an eye on Williams’ name. There are quite a few teams that could show interest in him, although there are some red flags for other teams. These five teams could make sense for Williams, although there are more that could get involved, as well.
Do you think that one of these five teams would be an ideal fit for Deron Williams in 2016 NBA free agency this offseason? Who do you think he should sign with? Let us know in the comment box below!
[Photo by AP Photo/David Zalubowski]
