With the Brooklyn Nets purportedly willing to break apart its core of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez, Williams was considered the most likely of the three to be traded. The Sacramento Kings reportedly were in talks for Williams, and although those talks have since "cooled," a potential deal is still possible.
Brooklyn reportedly was willing to part with any of its core players, for the right price. In need of a 1-guard, Sacramento reportedly inquired about Williams. Although the talks have seemingly died down, they're not completely dead.
"Talks between the Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets about a trade involving Nets star Deron Williams have cooled, according to league sources," ESPN's Chris Broussard wrote Tuesday. "... While talks have slowed, a potential deal for Williams is not completely dead, according to sources. ... One source said he expects talk between the two clubs to continue until the trade deadline in February."
Williams's declining production, his history of chronicle ankle injuries and the $21 million he is due next season all makes him a hard sell. According to Broussard, the Kings' original trade target wasn't even Williams.
"Sacramento had recently initiated talks with the Nets, proposing a deal for Williams and second-year forward Mason Plumlee, who was actually the Kings' main target, sources said," Broussard wrote. "With Plumlee struggling and clashing a bit with new Nets coach Lionel Hollins over the first month of the season, the Kings were hoping he might be available. To compel the Nets into moving Plumlee, they considered taking on Williams, whose contract and history of injuries has scared off many clubs.
"Brooklyn, however, has no intention of moving Plumlee, who has surged to average 18 points and 10.2 rebounds over the past six games."
Sacramento's failure to acquire Rajon Rondo, though, is likely to reignite talks for Williams. The New York Daily News, which said Williams is the likeliest Nets player to be dealt, also reported the discussions for him between Sacramento and Brooklyn could start again.
