Nets, Kings discussing possible Deron Williams trade

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported earlier today that the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings are in trade talks centered around former All-Star PG, Deron Williams.

The reported offer from Sacramento included, Darren Collison, Derrick Williams and Jason Thompson in exchange for Williams. 

It's also reported that the Kings also want Mason Plumlee from Brooklyn but the Nets are very reluctant to give up the young big man as they see him as a future building block.

The Nets would certainly be getting much more athletic with this trade, something they extremely lack. 

They also would be unloading a huge contract in sending off D-Will as he's due over $20 million per season over the next 2 years.

Williams and Thompson definitely have the athletic ability the Nets need on this team. Especially Williams. He reminds me of Gerald Green. He has that type of athleticism. He hasn't played to his potential, though.

Collison would give the Nets a very young point guard who is athletic himself. He's averaging about the same numbers as D-Will is. He's obviously not better than Deron Williams but he's younger and has some talent.

This may not be the best trade the Nets can get for Deron but Billy King better seriously consider this because I don't know if he'll get any offers for the aging former All-Star.

Here's what Deron would look like in a Kings uni. Via @VNDSGN.

To Say the Nets are Struggling is an Understatement

Kyle Terada / USA Today Sports

After 10 games in the new season, the Nets find themselves at 4-6 currently on a four game losing streak. The Nets had been playing well until Joe Johnson came out and criticized the team; stating the Nets were playing "selfish". Johnson made those comments following a Nets home victory over the Orlando Magic. Since that game the Nets are 0-4.

Obviously Johnson's comments aren't the reason for the Nets' sudden four game losing streak but when you call your team out like that, it gets a lot of attention, especially playing in the Big Apple. Johnson himself hasn't been the same since he made those comments. Joe has been very selfish himself the last few games. Forcing bad shots and trying to go through double teams.

Of course, the Nets are playing under a new head coach in Lionel Hollins so everything wasn't expected to click right away but the play these last four games have been absolutely atrocious. Starting with the Phoenix game last Wednesday night when the Nets jumped out to a big first half lead and everything went downhill from then. Brooklyn was outscored 63-41 in the second half of that game. Just terrible. Inexcusable.

What's tough for most Nets fans has got to be the play of former All-Star center, Brook Lopez. Lopez has struggled mightily so far this season. Brook is coming off of foot surgery but this is the absolute worse I've seen Brook play in his entire career. Lopez is clearly frustrated with himself which is clearly visible on the court. Lopez is taking it personal. So far this season, Brook is averaging over 15 points per game and just under 5 rebounds per game on 46.9 shooting. Those are certainly not Brook Lopez type numbers.

Lopez used to be the guy the Nets had their offense centered around. Throw it down to Brook and let him go to work. It was a great strategy for a while because when Brook is on, he doesn't miss much but we've yet to really see that Lopez yet this season. Hollins has benched Brook quite a bit in the fourth quarter of games this season. Lopez is currently only averaging 27.3 minutes per game. To compare, Nets rookie Bojan Bogdanovic is averaging 29 minutes per game. Just shows that with Hollins as coach, you have to earn your minutes.

I don't know how much worse the Nets would be without 20 year veteran Kevin Garnett. With Lopez not being a very good rebounder at all, the 38 year old Garnett has picked up the slack, averaging 8.5 rebounds in 23.7 minutes per game. He also had a Vintage KG game against Detroit where he dropped 18 points and grabbed 14 boards.

The thing I think that the Nets lack is consistent ball movement. Going back to that game against Phoenix, Brooklyn moved the ball very well in the first half and had a nice lead at the half. They went with a lot of isolation basketball in the second half and that lost them the game. They lack consistent ball movement for a full 48 minutes of the game and that's really going to hurt them if they can't fix that up. Deron Williams is only averaging 6.5 assists per game which is a bit low. He needs to have that number up to around 8.

With the talent this team has, there is no reason this team shouldn't be getting 25 assists a night, like D-Will said the other day. When you have talented players like Joe Johnson, Kevin Garnett and Brook Lopez around, it shouldn't be hard to get assists but the Nets have to stop going into isolation basketball when they get down. That's why it's hard for them to get back in games because the lack of ball movement.

There hasn't been much to be proud of the Nets so far this season but there are a few positives. First, rookie Bojan Bogdanovic has shined as he continues to improve each and every game. The rookie now has two games with 22 points this season and he has adapted to the NBA game quicker than most people would have expected. After 10 games, Bojan is averaging 10.5 points per game on 47.6% shooting and 37.5% from three. He has grown much more confident the past few games. It's still early, but Bojan Bogdanovic could be a leader in the Rookie of the Year conversations.

Another bright spot for the Nets is none other than Deron Williams. So far, Deron is averaging 18.2 points per game and 6.5 assists per game. Of course, he would like to get those assist numbers up. He's actually shot the ball pretty well lately. He's shot 50% or higher in 6 of the last 8 games. Overall Deron is shooting 46.4% from the field while playing a whopping 36 minutes per game. Who knows if the old D-Will is back but after 10 games, he looks pretty good and most of all, his ankles look good.

So many negatives to look at concerning the Nets early this season. Not many positives but one positive is that there is still 72 games remaining in this very young season. Remember, a season ago the Nets started off terribly at 10-21 and they regrouped and finished 44-38 with the sixth seed in the East. Plenty of season left. Can't press the panic button 10 games in.

The Nets will look to end this four game skid Wednesday night against Jason Kidd's Milwaukee Bucks. That will be a fun one. Barclays Center will be ready for that one. Will be a fun to see the crowd's reaction to Kidd.

Recap: Nets Beat Short-Handed Spurs

Nets beat the Spurs tonight 103-89.

The Spurs were very short-handed tonight coming off a double OT victory over Washington.

Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobli, Boris Diaw, & Tony Parker all sat out tonight for San Antonio.

But you can never count out the Spurs.

They jumped out to an early double-digit lead.

But from halftime on, it was all Nets.

San Antonio never led in the second half.

Alan Anderson was huge for the Nets. Scoring 20+ points off the bench to tonight.

Deron Williams banged up his knee in the second quarter and seemed in serious pain. Went to the locker room. Returned and finished with 16 points & 8 assists on 50% shooting.

Nets improve to 22-25 and are now 12-4 in 2014.

Nets play tomorrow night in the Motor City against the Detroit Pistons.

Nets All-Star news: Mason Plumlee was drafted by Team Webber (Chris Webber) for the Rising Stars Challenge and Joe Johnson was selected to compete in the three point competition.

Recap: Nets Hold on to Beat Sixers

Nets nearly blew another game.

They got out to an early double digit lead in the first but that didn't last very long.

Deron Williams finally seemed back into some form. He scored 21 on 8/19 shooting adding 6 assists. Paul Pierce added 25 points and was 14/14 from the free throw line.

Nets got out to 15 point first quarter lead which Philly continued to cut into to.

By midway through the second quarter, Philly had a four point lead.

Similar situation happened in the third quarter.

Nets jumped out to an 78-59 lead. In the fourth quarter that lead was cut to two.

Shuan Livingston again had himself a game. Recording a career high 7 steals along with 13 points 6 rebounds & 8 assists.

Nets get a couple days off before hosting the San Antonio Spurs Thursday night. Game will be on TNT.

Nets improve to 21-25.

Recap: Nets Lose Third Straight

The Nets were coming off a game where they just got dismantled by Kevin Durant and the OKC Thunder.

Then they had to travel to Indiana to face a team with only two home losses this season.

This game was pretty much wire to wire throughout.

Pacers were looking for a season series sweep of the Nets, which is what the Nets did to Indiana last season.

They didn't have any luck at all against them this season as Brooklyn goes 0-4 against the Pacers this season.

Shaun Livingston had himself a game with 24 points on 10/18 shooting. He's been playing well of late.

Nets had a chance to tie it with a 3 with 6 secs left down 96-93 but Pierce took a tough corner three where he was covered well by Stephenson.

Deron Williams then made a pointless three after West went 1/2 from the line.

Pacers win it by one, 97-96.

Nets are now 20-25 after being just two games under .500 the Nets have lost three consecutive games.

Deron returned to the starting lineup tonight and didn't fare well at all. He has to step it up a little bit. Or a lot of bit.

Recap: Raptors Steal one in Brooklyn

This game went down to the wire.

Coming off the return game to Boston  where he went 2-10, Paul Pierce dropped 33 points tonight.

He also grabbed 6 rebounds.

This had to be the most heartbreaking loss for the Nets this season.

Deron Williams is getting the blame. He made the inbound pass with 12 secs left into the backcourt and Patterson stole it passed it to Lowry who then passed it back to Patterson who pumped and hit the jumper.

Pierce had to go full length of the court because Nets didn't have a timeout, he got off a three that was on line but was short.

So, Deron Williams is getting the blame. Paul Pierce had a great game but the Nets just plain blew this game.

Nets now 20-23. They fall to 2.5 games back of first in Atlantic. They are 10-2 in 2014. Those two losses? To the Toronto Raptors.

Nets get the next three days off before hosting the hot Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night on the first leg of a back-to-back. Second leg? A visit to Indiana. Pacers 3-0 vs Brooklyn this season.

Recap: Nets Win in Pierce, KG Return to Boston

The emotions were running high in this game. And you could tell early on.

The Boston Celtics fans showed the class they have. Giving a loud great standing ovation for Kevin Garnett & Paul Pierce when they were introduced.

Also Celtics, gave them both each an amazing tribute video that left the crowd chanting their names.

You could tell the emotion running through KG & Pierce.

Both of them struggled. As did the rest of the Nets early on. Nets only managed 11 points in the first quarter.

Andray Blatche was key in tonight's game dropping 17 points.

Nets had a slight lead at the half up by one (36-35). Very low scoring game throughout.

Scoring picked up a bit in the second half. Pierce continued to struggle with his shot.

Pierce was 2-10 in his return to Boston with 6 points. He struggled with his shot throughout.

Garnett was 3-6 and had 6 points. He had the moment of the game. Nets up 80-77 Garnett steals it takes it the length of the court and finishes it to give Brooklyn the 82-77 lead.

Nets go on to win it by a final of 85-79. The Nets are now 9-0 I believe with the starting lineup of Shaun Livingston, Joe Johnson, Alan Anderson, Paul Pierce, & Kevin Garnett.

Deron Williams continues to come off the bench. And why not? The Nets are winning.

Nets came into January with a record of 10-21. Nets are now 20-22 and find themselves 1.5 games back of first in the Atlantic.

Nets play tomorrow against the Atlantic leading Toronto Raptors. Who will be without their leading scorer Demar DeRozan due to injury. Just makes this game a little more win able for Brooklyn.

Nets are now 10-1 in 2014.

Recap: Nets Win Again, 107-106 over Mavs

Nets win again! Another great game for Brooklyn. As they continue their winning ways in 2014.

Story of the game: Mirza Teletovic. He was on fire. His career high was 19 points. He broke that in the second quarter scoring 24 points on 9/11 shooting 6/7 from three. He was just catching and shooting with ease.

Nets led throughout the game. They only trailed during the first quarter.

The Nets let the Mavs back in it by getting into the penalty a bit early.

The Nets controlled the game throughout though. Mavs fouled late to extend game and Monta Ellis hit a meaningless three to make it a 1 point win for Nets instead of 4 point win.

Deron Williams had 18 points, 11 assists. Mirza Teletovic finished with 34 points and 6 rebounds off the bench.

Nets get a day off tomorrow before heading to Boston in what is expected to be an emotion filled game with the return of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Boston for the first time since the trade.

Nets improve to 19-22 and they also improve to 9-1 in January.

Recap: Nets Improve to 8-1 in 2014, Beat Magic

This Nets team has seemed to finally turn the corner. 

They entered 2014 with an 10-21 record. They are now 18-22.

They again won by double digits for the third consecutive game.

The final score was 101-90. Deron Williams continued to come off the bench dishing out 9 dimes.

The Magic were hanging with the Nets in the first half. The Nets blew it wide open in the second half.

Andray Blatche again had a great game scoring 18 points and grabbing 8 boards. His last 3 games he has scored 20, 19, & 18.

Joe Johnson & Paul Pierce each added 13.

Nets have the next two days off before hosting the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.

Nets now 8-1 in 2014.

Recap: Nets Blowout Knicks, 103-80

The Nets returned the favor for getting walloped at home vs the Knicks earlier this year by 30.

The Nets dominated through out the game.

Joe Johnson again was superb. Scoring 12 points in the first quarter.

Deron Williams returned today and came off the bench. He scored 13 points in 27 minutes on 4/10 shooting.

Joe Johnson again was quiet in the second half. He finished with 25 points 6 boards and 5 assists.

Blatche added a double double with 19 points and 12 boards. On 9/12 shooting.

Since the new year started the Nets have been like we expected.

They are an NBA best 7-1 in 2014.

They improve to 17-22 overall.

The Nets will return to Brooklyn tomorrow to host the Orlando Magic. Who blew out Brooklyn in Orlando in the third game of the season by 21 points.

Recap: Nets Beat Heat in 2 OT

It must be New Year New Nets. They are sure playing like a totally new team.

They beat the Heat tonight 104-95. In a game that featured the nickname jerseys. Also, LeBron did something tonight that he hasn't done since 2008.

Both teams started off high-powered offensively. Nets led after one 33-32. The story of that 1st quarter was Joe Johnson (JJ). He scored 22 points on 9/10 shooting (4/4 from three). LeBron countered with 16 in the first.

This game was very similar to the one on November 1st. Pretty close to start the game and the Nets led throughout the second and third quarters. But Miami made its run in the fourth.

Nets led by as much as 14 in the fourth and Miami quickly was able to cut that down to 3. LeBron hit a couple huge buckets. One pulled Miami within one and Norris Cole hit a three to give the Heat the lead.

Then the next possession, Paul Pierce buried a three. Eventually we ended up tied at 89 and Pierce missed a chance at the win on a stepack jumper over James.

This is what LeBron did that he hasn't done since '08. He fouled out of the game. In the first OT he was driving on Livingston and clear contact and a push as Livingston goes down and a charge is called.

Then Norris Cole hit a big jumper to tie it at 93. Pierce airballs three at the buzzer, we go to a second OT.

The Nets completely controlled the second OT. outscoring Miami 11-2. This was a huge win for the Nets.

Miami was without Wade, Chalmers, & Battier tonight. Nets still pull it out as they are now 2-0 vs the Heat this season.

This win puts the Nets as the 7th seed in the East.

The thing about this win is that it was a very long game and an energy drainer. Nets have a game tomorrow against the Atlantic leading Toronto Raptors. With a win, Brooklyn would move two games back of Toronto.

Shaun Livingston recorded 51 minutes tonight so we may see some Tyshawn Taylor tomorrow. Those were 51 very effective minutes. Recording a double-double. 19 points, 11 rebounds.

Joe Johnson led the way with 32. Paul Pierce had 23.

LeBron had 36 before fouling out.

As I mentioned earlier, Nets play tomorrow in Toronto looking to extend their season-high winning streak from 5 to 6.

Update: Nets now 5-0 in 2014. Also 5-0 when Jason Kidd doesn't wear a tie. Just had to throw that in there.

Recap: Nets End Warriors Win Streak

Well, this one was a dandy.

Seemed like it would be a blowout in the making early on as the Warriors wouldn't miss anything. They jumped out to a 32-16 lead in the first.

Mirza Teletovic & Joe Johnson ended the quarter hitting threes pulling the Nets within 10.

Nets jumped out to the lead in the second quarter. And took a healthy 7 point lead into halftime.

The Nets defense stepped up tonight. They forced 18 turnovers. They scored 22 points off those turnovers.

They again played without Deron Williams who's out this week after the Platelet Rich Plasma treatment in both ankles. He's in walking boot for rest of week.

Joe Johnson stepped up again and scored 27 points. Andray Blatche had 17 off the bench.

An all-around great game for Brooklyn ad they have extended their winning streak to 4.

Nets still undefeated in 2014. (4-0)

Nets have tomorrow off before hosting the defending champ, Miami Heat. A game where jerseys will feature the players' nicknames.

Recap: Nets Win Third in a Row

The Nets, for the first time this season, have won 3 consecutive games.

The Nets were without Deron Williams tonight as he was out with a sore left ankle.

They didn't need him. The Hawks and Nets pretty much went back and forth all game long. It was definitely a game of runs.

Atlanta ended the first half on a 14-0 run. The Nets started the second half on a 13-0 run.

Joe Johnson somewhat snapped out of his shooting slump. And they sure did need his contributions with D-Will out tonight.

Johnson had 23 points on 10/22 shooting. Mirza Teletovic added 16 off the bench.

Nets have tomorrow off before hosting the high-powered offense of the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night.

Update: Nets are still undefeated in 2014. (3-0)

Recap: Williams Leads Nets Over Cavs

The Nets have one their second consecutive game of the season. Only the second time that has happened this season.

Deron Williams recorded 21 points and 6 assists. He's now scored 20+ points in back-to-back games. The Nets will need his consistency.

Paul Pierce recorded 18 points as he continued to play as the 4 as the Nets went small again.

Reggie Evans started at center tonight due to KG being out (rest). Kidd wanted to rest him because they have 4 upcoming games next week.

The Nets really played well tonight. They blew a halftime lead but regained it and led throughout the fourth.

Nets have tomorrow off before hosting the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

Fun fact: Nets are 2-0 in 2014.

Recap: Joe Cool Caps Comeback With Game Winner

New Year New Nets? Maybe. Us Nets fans can only hope so. In the second quarter it seemed like another collapse. Getting down by as much as 16.

They came out pretty strong in the second half. Then with 9 secs left in the third OKC went up 16. Pierce hit a jumper with 0.9 left to pull within 14. Williams picked off the inbounds pass and launched and buried a three to beat the buzzer.

The Nets had one amazing fourth quarter. They were led by their 98 million dollar man Deron Williams tonight. 29 points (6/9 from three) 5 steals. Paul Pierce had a 5-0 stretch to pull Nets within one.

Then off a Durant turnover D Will buried a three to give Brooklyn the lead. They kept the lead until Serge Ibaka tied it with 5.5 to go.

That left the Nets with the chance to win. Joe Johnson inbounds it to KG gets it right back does a couple crossovers and buries the fall away jumper at the buzzer over Serge Ibaka!

Fun fact: The Nets are undefeated in 2014.