By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Brooklyn, NY

Playmaker Deron Williams has decided to stick with the Brooklyn Nets, agreeing to a five-year contract reportedly worth $100 million.

The All-Star point guard revealed his decision via Twitter when he posted "made a very difficult decision today ..." along with a link to a photo of the Nets' logo. Then, Williams called Nets general manager Billy King of his decision.

The Nets can officially announce the Williams deal July 11 when the moratorium for signing free agents ends.

Williams chose the Nets over his hometown Dallas Mavericks, who could only offer four years, $75 million based on the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

Considered one of the NBA's best point guards, Williams averaged 17.6 points and 9.2 assists over seven seasons, leading the Utah Jazz to the Western Conference finals in 2007.

Fearing that Williams might leave as free agent, the Jazz traded Williams to the Nets for Devin Harris, Derrick Favors and two first-round draft picks.

Williams, 28, averaged 21 points and 8.7 assists in 55 games for the Nets last season.

Before hooking Williams, the Nets have already surrounded him with talent to make the team more competitive when it transfers to Brooklyn and plays at the $1 billion Barclays Center next season.

The Nets have traded for shooting guard Joe Johnson, re-signed forward Gerald Wallace, reached a verbal agreement with Bosnian forward Mirza Teletovic and executed a sign-and-trade for rugged rebounder Reggie Evans.

Teletovic, 26, is set to sign a three-year, $15 million contract under the midlevel exception while Evans will come in a sign-and-trade deal worth about $5 million over three years.

The Nets also intend to re-sign Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries, their last two significant free agents, and the last two players remaining from the 2010-11 season.

But Lopez could be part of blockbuster trade for Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, who wants to be traded to the Nets.

Earlier, Williams said he enjoys living in Manhattan with his family and has also enjoyed all the marketing opportunities he's been afforded. Williams has also forged great relationships with King and coach Avery Johnson.

 

 

Star Guard Deron Williams Stays with Nets