The Brooklyn Nets' blockbuster trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Joe Johnson will go through no matter what free-agent guard Deron Williams decides in free agency, according to multiple reports. While the deal was certainly done in an attempt to ensure Williams would re-sign with the Nets, it will not be called off if Williams surprises everyone and signs with the Dallas Mavericks.
Joe Johnson Trade Is Not Dependent On Deron Williams’ Free-Agent Decision, According To Report
League source tells Y! that Joe Johnson deal now likely "happens with or without Deron." Nets officials are meeting with Williams right now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 2, 2012
Williams met with the Mavericks earlier on Monday, and he met with the Nets at 5 p.m. The Nets are “increasingly confident” that Williams will accept their five-year, $100 million offer to stay, according to Wojnarowski.
Johnson was acquired from the Hawks for Anthony Morrow, Jordan Farmar, Jordan Williams, DeShawn Stevenson and a 2013 first-round pick originally owned by the Rockets. The Nets had to sign-and-trade Stevenson to make the deal happen; his new contract is for three years and $6.9 million, with only the first year guaranteed, according to ESPN's Chad Ford.
For more on the Brooklyn Nets, check out Nets Daily. Atlanta Hawks news and info can be found at Peachtree Hoops, and all your NBA free agency coverage is available at SB Nation's NBA page.
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