NBA Rumors: Deron Williams ‘possibly’ getting bought out by Dallas Mavericks
By John Buhler
The Dallas Mavericks are considering a buyout on the expiring contract of veteran point guard Deron Williams in favor of starting rookie Yogi Ferrell.
At one time, point guard Deron Williams was poised to set the NBA ablaze with his filthy skills in the backcourt. While he did have a great start to his NBA career with the Utah Jazz and the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, it seems that Williams will be a free agent even before summer 2017.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, “Deron Williams [is] “possibly” receiving a buyout from the [Dallas Mavericks]. Dallas is preparing to hand point guard reigns to rookie Yogi Ferrell.”
Source: Deron Williams "possibly" receiving a buyout from the Mavs. Dallas is preparing to hand point guard reins to rookie Yogi Ferrell.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 23, 2017
Finding Ferrell in the NBA D-League has been one of the better stories for an otherwise underwhelming Mavericks team. Williams signed a one-year deal with the Mavericks this past summer worth $10 million.
Dallas had tried to move the aging point guard before the NBA trade deadline but was unsuccessful. Negotiating a buyout for Dallas is probably the best course of action. It would allow Williams to sign with a playoff-caliber team for the rest of the season as a free agent.
Essentially waiving Williams would help ensure that the Mavericks will end up missing the 2017 Western Conference Playoffs to be in better position in the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery. MacMahon would also point out that Dallas could look for a point guard on a 10-day contract while backup J.J. Barea comes back from injury.
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Teams that could be looking for a player like Williams as a free agent this February would include his former team in the Jazz, the Milwaukee Bucks, or even the Cleveland Cavaliers. All of whom could use some depth at the point guard position with Williams coming off the bench.