Deron Williams Traded to Nets

By Justin Worsley,

During the summer, the Miami Heat beat them in pursuit of LeBron James. Two days ago, the Knicks beat them to acquire Carmelo Anthony. Today the New Jersey Nets finally land a star.

The Nets have acquired All-Star point guard Deron Williams from the Utah Jazz in exchange for a disgruntled Devin Harris and rookie Derrick Favors.

Golden State will also be involved in the trade. The Nets will ship Troy Murphy to the Warriors in exchange for Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright.

The Jazz will receive $3 million and two first-round draft picks from the Nets as well.

Williams fell out of favor in Utah after the sudden resignation of head coach Jerry Sloan. Many felt Williams was at fault due to the fact that the player and coach were in an altercation the night before. Williams has denied those comments.

"Anybody who thinks I can force coach Sloan to resign is crazy," said Williams on Feb. 10 after Sloan's retirement.

Williams, 26, has averaged 21.3 points and 9.7 rebounds this season, both career highs. His contract expires in the summer of 2012, however, he will be able to sign an extension in July after the 2011 season ends.

Harris and Favors have both been on the trading block all season as the Nets have attempted to acquire Anthony. There was reportedly an offer on Wednesday morning for the Harris to return to his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, in exchange for Caron Butler, but the Nets declined the trade.

The trade is pending a physical and could be completed as early as Wednesday night. Williams could report for the team as early as Friday, when the Nets travel to San Antonio.