The Utah Jazz have reportedly agreed to trade franchise star point guard Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for rookie Derrick Favors, point guard Devin Harris and two first round draft picks. Details of the draft picks are not yet known.
The deal comes as a shock to the NBA community as the Nets strike quickly after losing out on the Carmelo Anthony trade sweepstakes. While there had been rumors of the Nets shopping Harris, there hadn't been any signs that Deron Williams would be available.
The trade is a major shake up for the Jazz who are still recovering from the sudden departure of Jerry Sloan. Rumors abound that Sloan's retirement was caused in part by Deron William's "pushing him out". Sloan is rumored to have told the Jazz that either Williams goes or he goes. In the end, the Utah franchise lost both in the span of just two weeks.
Devin Harris is signed for two more seasons at about $9 million per year while Favors is in the first year of his rookie contract. The combination of Favors and Al Jefferson give the Jazz a potentially formidable front line combination for years to come while Harris, is motivated, is a highly capable NBA point guard who's speed and creativity can baffle defenses.
Harris is averaging 15 points and 7.6 assists per game this season in just 32 minutes. He reportedly has bristled under the tight coaching of Avery Johnson. Rookie Derrick Favors is averaging 6.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in about 20 minutes of play.
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