Too many "that's why I signed a three-year contract"-type statements from Deron Williams is what ultimately led to him being traded according to the Tribune,
"He never said what [Phoenix's] Steve Nash said," O'Connor said. "He never said, ‘Hey, I signed a contract, I really like it here. I want to finish it out. I'm committed to staying in Utah. Let's get some players.' It was always, ‘I'll wait and see.'
For a franchise that prides itself on being a model of stability, the last two weeks have been anything but stable. As jarring as this move was, it ensures that the return of stability for the time being.
I've said before to others that Deron hasn't made up his mind yet as to what he's going to do come the summer of 2012. His involvement in and love for the community apparently wasn't enough to overcome the front office's fears of him leaving and getting nothing in return.
Both parties were in a difficult spot. Deron didn't want to commit at a time when he wasn't sure of his plans. The Jazz didn't want to wait around to find out. We won't fully be able to judge this move for a couple more seasons. It all depends on whether or not Deron leaves NJ anyway and how the players and picks that Utah received pan out. Like I tweeted, this will be either one of the best or one of the worst moves of all time for the franchise.
The Jazz got a bit of a break over the weekend as the 5 teams directly above them lost as well. However, Phoenix continues to play well and now even Houston is creeping into the 8th spot picture.
Hollinger calculates that the Suns and Rockets are more likely to make the playoffs over the Jazz. As a reminder, if the Jazz do not make the playoffs, they will get their 1st round pick that was sent to the Timberwolves as part of the Jefferson trade. That would give them an extra asset to work with in the draft.
So while missing the playoffs would be a bit of disappointment, with the direction the team is going, it's not the worst thing that could happen right now.
Until I figure what number, if any, to put here permanently, I'm just going to put it back to a three for now. I'll miss DWill, but it's time to move on.
Another DWill note: In the span of a couple of weeks, he'll have met with media in LA, NJ/NY, and will head to London this week. That's three of the largest markets in the world. That's a far cry from the local media (though they're some of the best) that he's been used to.
Tonight's game against the Celtics will be the first home game since the DWill trade. The reality of DWill being gone will hit hard if it hasn't already. He's always the last to be announced and has always received the loudest ovation.
There's no doubt that Devin Harris and Derrick Favors will get huge cheers as well. It looks like it's a near-sellout with a little over 600 tickets left. It should be pretty loud. Who knows how they'll react playing in front of more than 200 fans.
If you're wondering what Jerry and Phil are up to, moni has tracked them down.