Mo Williams rumors: Williams looking for a bigger role

Apr 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Mo Williams (25) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Mo Williams (25) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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At the start of free agency, Portland Trail Blazers’ point guard Mo Williams decided to opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent.

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Playing behind one of the league’s budding stars in Damian Lillard was appealing to Williams but he simply did not get the playing time he wanted. According to Lang Greene of Basketball Insiders, Williams is simply looking for a bigger role.

"The former All-Star guard played last season with the Portland Trail Blazers but made it clear from the start he would be testing the free agency waters. Williams would be a solid pickup for a team looking for veteran leadership, but Williams is reportedly seeking a larger role in his team’s rotation."

The Trail Blazers acted quickly, singing one of their former point guards, Steve Blake.

Williams has received interest from the Dallas Mavericks. Although they re-signed Devin Harris, they need to replace some of Jose Calderon’s production. Calderon was sent to the New York Knicks in the Tyson Chandler deal.

Williams averaged 9.7 points, 4.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game while shooting 41.7% from the floor, 36.9% from beyond the arc and 87.6% from the free throw line last season. Williams was originally drafted with the 47th-overall pick in the second round of the 2003 draft by the Utah Jazz. The former Alabama Crimson Tide star, who has proven to be a gigantic steal, spent just one year with the Jazz before moving on to the Milwaukee Bucks. After four years there, he joined LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers for three seasons,  the Los Angeles Clippers for two and then re-joined the Jazz for the 2012-2013 season before joining the Blazers.