Just after 5:00 P.M. EST today, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that the Dallas Mavericks decided to waive veteran point guard, Deron Williams — a player who the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers have been pursuing for months.
Several teams are interested in Williams, but according to multiple sources, he has already decided where he wants to play next.
Deron Williams may have already decided to join #Cavs once buyout with #Mavs complete, ESPN reporting.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) February 23, 2017
Multiple teams interested in Deron Williams tell ESPN they believe Williams has already decided to join Cleveland upon clearing waivers
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 23, 2017
“D-Will,” as Williams is affectionately known, has averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 34.8 minutes per game over the course of his career. This season, the 32-year-old veteran is averaging 13.1 points and 6.9 assists per game. If this D-Will clears waivers, it’ll give the Cavs a pair of D-Will’s off the bench (Deron and Derrick Williams).
Williams would be a fine addition to the Cavaliers’ back-court rotation. At this point, all signs are pointing to the former University of Illinois stand-out landing on the Lake Erie Shoreline.
On top of the Williams news, Andrew Bogut could also be wearing a wine and gold uniform for the remainder of the season, as Jordan Schultz of The Huffington Post and Bleacher Report indicated earlier this afternoon.
Source: belief amongst many NBA teams is that Andrew Bogut is heading to Cleveland. Deron Willlams, as I reported is signing w/#Cavs as well
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 23, 2017
Bogut, a true seven foot rim protector and former number one overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, holds career averages of 10.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 29.4 minutes per game. Bogut spent a couple stellar seasons playing for the Warriors where he won a championship in 2015 against the Cavs. The decision to sign Kevin Durant in free agency meant Bogut and then-Warrior Harrison Barnes both had to go.
Although he has been a bit injury prone, there’s no question that Bogut’s presence on the floor is always felt with his hard screen-setting, defense at the rim, and his great court-vision for a seven-footer.
The additions of Williams and Bogut would put the Cavaliers in excellent position to defend their championship crown once healthy.
