The Nets took a calculated risk when they traded for Deron Williams.
They knew possibly it could backfire and they could end up with nothing while losing a lot. The move was made with the hope of luring Dwight Howard to become superfriends with Williams.
That didn’t happen and now it appears they are about to crap out.
“People get traded all the time,” Williams told Yahoo! Sports. “They don’t get backlash as an organization. If [players] leave, we are not loyal, we are ungrateful. People say stuff to me on Twitter. They already think I’m gone. They are out there bashing me, saying to me I’m a traitor.
“I didn’t ask to be here. I got traded. I didn’t come here being a free agent. This is the first time that I’m a free agent in my career.”
He “probably” would have re-signed if the Nets had dealt for the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard before the March 15 trade deadline.
“Oh yeah, it definitely would have changed things. I’ve already made it known that if he would have come I probably would have stayed.”
Unlike Howard, Williams doesn’t act like a baby. He has played hard on a losing team and he will make his decision in a professional manner.
He is correct there is no loyalty in sports, you have to do what is best for you and your family.
For players specifically they have to think long term. You can only play basketball for so long, so the money you make from it has to last for the rest of your life.
Your legacy is defined by championships, not being a good solider.
So, don’t be upset or salty if Williams ends up in Dallas or Lakers, just remember that he fulfilled his contract and is FREE to go wherever he likes.