Deron Williams is moving to Brooklyn with the Nets, instead of back home to Dallas.
The All-Star point guard said on his Twitter page Tuesday night that he “made a very tough decision today” and posted a picture of the Nets’ new team logo that accompanies their move from New Jersey to Brooklyn.
A person with knowledge of the decision said Williams told the team he was accepting their five-year contract worth $98 million. The person confirmed the agreement on condition of anonymity because contracts can’t be signed until July 11.
Williams, the top free agent available, chose to stay with the Nets over signing with the Mavericks, who hoped they could convince him to come back to the area where he grew up.
It’s a huge triumph for the Nets as they prepare to move into the new Barclays Center to start the 2012-13 season. They gave up an enormous package to get Williams in a surprising February 2011 trade, sending promising forward Derrick Favors, point guard Devin Harris, two first-round draft picks and cash to the Utah Jazz.
But it was worth it for the Nets, who needed a franchise ? player to build buzz for their move to New York.
Williams wanted to make a quick decision before he reports to training camp in Las Vegas with the U.S. Olympic squad Thursday. He met with both teams Monday, the day after free agency opened.
Williams’ decision comes a day after the Nets agreed to a deal with Atlanta for All-Star guard Joe Johnson, and amid reports they are still hoping to make a deal with Orlando for Dwight Howard. Brooklyn also has a deal in place to re-sign versatile free agent forward Gerald Wallace.
Just two years after a 70-loss season, the Nets will have one of the NBA’s best backcourts and are poised to make a quick move up the Eastern Conference standings.
Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks had spoken openly about their desire to bring Williams back to North Texas, where he starred at The Colony High School. Owner Mark Cuban’s team never made much attempt to defend its 2011 NBA title, letting key players such as Tyson Chandler and J.J. Barea leave through free agency so the Mavs could save money for this summer’s free agency.
But Dallas could only offer Williams a four-year deal worth about $75 million under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement.
Another development Tuesday could leave Dallas with even more questions about what to do next. ESPN.com reported that the Celtics were closing in on a three-year deal that pays $5 million per season to guard Jason Terry, a former Sixth Man of the Year who was key in helping the Mav?ericks win their first championship two seasons ago.
As for the Nets, they’re retaining one of the league’s top point guards. Williams averaged 21 points and 8.7 assists last season and had a 57-point game. He was ahead of his competitors when last season started after playing in Turkey during the lockout.
The Jazz decided to deal him at the 2011 deadline after a clash with former Utah coach Jerry Sloan, and without knowing if Williams would stay there long-term.
Williams didn’t always seem to enjoy playing in New Jersey, with the Nets spending the last two seasons in a temporary home in Newark.