Whoa! Nets acquire All-Star Deron Williams from Jazz in three-way deal

Obviously upset over their failed attempts to acquire Carmelo Anthony, the New Jersey Nets, in unexpected fashion and perhaps to strike back at their New York rivals, acquired All-Star PG Deron Williams from the Utah Jazz in a three-way deal with the Golden State Warriors.

A truly unexpected and unprecedented move, the Nets weren't thought to be major players for big name stars other than Anthony at the trade deadline (Feb. 24). They were expected to acquire parts to build around Brook Lopez. One name they were linked to was Danilo Gallinari, formerly of the New York Knicks (he was traded for Anthony) and now a member of the Denver Nuggets. However, acquiring Williams is a bigger, and better move - hell it's a fantastic move - for the Nets, who were obviously looking to take some of the spotlight from the Knicks after acquiring Anthony.

In return the Nets are sending former All-Star PG Devin Harris (averaging 15.0 PPG), rookie phenom Derrick Favors, a 2011 first-round draft pick, the Warriors' 2012 first-round draft pick, and $3 million to Utah. As well, the Nets will send Troy Murphy (expiring contract) to the Warriors for Dan Gadzuric and Brandon Wright.

Williams, 26, a two-time All-Star who has been called the league's best point guard, is averaging 21.3 PPG. He's a fantastic upgrade for the Nets, who are struggling at 17-40. Obviously, acquiring Williams won't help the Nets this season, but his arrival in New Jersey could now lure the interest of other stars to join him in New Jersey next season en route to a productive season next year.

However, a great deal like this can't go without some questions. Why did the Jazz decide to trade Williams, when he wasn't due to hit free agency until after the 2011-12 season? Why did the Nets trade their best rookie (Favors) for Williams when he could leave after the 2011-12 season? Will "D-Will" sign an extension with the rebuilding Nets, and will he be a part of the team which plans to open its 2012 season in Brooklyn?

Rumors have it that the Jazz's decision to trade Williams was due to the recent resignation of head coach Jerry Sloan. After an altercation with the coach on Feb. 9, Sloan resigned the next day, and many have questioned whether it was Williams' fault. Maybe that was why they decided to trade him now. Other reasons why could be because they wanted to get something major in return for a player who could leave as a free agent after next season. Acquiring Favors is a tremendous move for the Jazz, as he projects to be a very, very, good player in the future. Still just 19, he has a lot of room for growth and could develop into one of the best players in the NBA.

As for why did the Nets trade for Williams, the answer is obvious: they were pissed that they missed out on Melo. The Nuggets, reportedly, preferred the Nets' package for Anthony, which was centerpieced around Favors and Harris. However, Anthony refused to sign an extension with the Nets and would only sign with the Knicks, leaving the Nuggets no choice but to ship Anthony to New York for the lesser package. In an attempt to strike back and steal New York headlines, the Nets went all in for Williams, with hopes of restoring their depleted fan base and hoping that star players will trickle into New Jersey and eventually Brooklyn. Anthony (SF) and Williams (PG) are both, arguably, among the top players at their positions. Players could be more intrigued to play with Williams rather than Melo, seeing as he is one of the best basketball handlers in the game.

Will Williams sign an extension with the Nets? That question remains in the air. Williams has openly stated - prior to the Anthony acquisition - that he wants to play for the Knicks. Now, the opportunity to play alongside Stoudemire and Anthony in New York is a more intriguing option for the 26-year old, rather than to stay with a team who has under-achieved the past two seasons, posting the league's worst record last year and one of the worst this year.

Williams' decision to sign an extension with the Nets hinges on one thing: Nets' management's dedication to win. If the Nets were able, say next year, to acquire another big-name player or sign some good supporting players over the off-season, I think Williams would mull signing an extension with New Jersey. Playing alongside Lopez, as well as another good player by way of trade or signing, could have Williams a mainstay with the Nets when they move into Brooklyn.

This is a great deal, and a surprising one as the trade deadline looms large. With only a day left, we'll have to see if the Nets can get a supporting cast for Lopez and Williams.