S.I.com reports:
The Utah Jazz have agreed to send All-Star point guard Deron Williams to New Jersey in a multi-team deal, SI.com has confirmed. The Jazz will receive rookie power forward Derrick Favors, point guard Devin Harris, two first-round draft picks and $3 million cash.
The Nets will also close to a deal that would send Troy Murphy's expiring contract to Golden State in exchange for big men Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright.
The surprising blockbuster comes after the Nets struck out on attracting LeBron James last summer in free agency, and Carmelo Anthony in a trade with Denver.
Williams, who's averaging 21.3 points and is third in the league in assists with 9.7 per game, is signed through next season and has a $17.8 million player option for 2012-13. There was a growing belief within the Jazz organization that Williams would opt out of his contract and sign elsewhere, and Utah was likely going to trade him next season to avoid losing him in free agency.
The 26-year-old guard and former longtime coach Jerry Sloan reportedly had a heated exchange during halftime of the Jazz's frustrating loss to the Chicago a couple weeks ago. Though Sloan denied the dustup as reason for his resignation the following day, it's been reported that Sloan grew tired of the struggles with Williams and was ready to end it.
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