The Jazz have made some big trades in the past-Adrian Dantley for Kelly Tripuka, Jeff Malone for Jeff Hornacek, even new head coach Ty Corbin was once traded away. But the Deron Williams to New Jersey deal has to rank among the biggest ever.
Its a gamble to trade away your leading scorer and leader in assists. But the Jazz decided that they better get something for him now, in case he decided to leave on his own at the end of his current contract. That makes total sense to me, but its still a risky move.
Williams didn't seem happy here, especially lately. He was surly to the media and wanted his way on the court, and often pouted when he didn't get his way. We're not allowed in practice or in the locker room at certain times, so its hard to say what he was like with his teammates. But this team might be better off without D Will.
Devin Harris is a good point guard, not a great one, and Derrick Favors is a young (very young!) kid who will hopefully get better. Its a very young team right now, but one that could jell and play better without a "superstar" who wanted the ball in his hands all the time. Its a team game, and this group could surprise people if they come together as a team.
Williams is a great player, there's no doubt about that. But will the Jazz be better off without him? I say "yes".
