Mutant-Russian Mark Cuban Goes All-In

            Say what you want about Mikhail Prokhorov, but the man has stones. Based on the trade he made today, he’s the type of guy who’d move all-in at the poker table with pocket deuces. At first glance, the price New Jersey had to pay for Deron Williams was significantly less than what New York paid for Carmelo Anthony. It looks even better when you consider that Deron Williams is a better player than Carmelo (player, not a better scorer). Two issues though make this trade a high-risk proposition.

            For starters, Carmelo Anthony is one of the most recognizable players in the NBA. His addition to any team in the league would spark interest in casual sports fans. Madison Square Garden had the atmosphere of a playoff game when ‘Melo was introduced before the game, not a regular season game in February. For as great as Deron Williams is, he does not have the star power that will boost ticket sales.

            More importantly, Williams is a free agent after next season (Carmelo signed a three year extension that will keep him in a Knicks uniform through the 2013-14 season). New Jersey had not even contacted him to gauge his interest in joining the Nets. Prokhorov has to gamble that within a year and a half, he can convince Williams (who according to multiple sports writers in Utah, was “shocked” and “unhappy” about being dealt) that the team has a definitive plan to build a championship caliber team. Otherwise, Williams will be pretty discouraged after playing over a season in a half-empty arena.

            I can’t say that I blame New Jersey for making this move. Similar to how the Washington Nationals vastly overpaid Jayson Werth, the Nets needed to do something to show that they are serious about building a winning team. Even if Williams has no desire to stay after the 2011-12 season, Prokhorov can have his henchman flip the point guard in a trade at next year’s trade deadline (an option which has not been discussed enough. It will be a less hyped version of the Melodrama we saw this season, but there will be plenty of teams lining up for Deron’s services if he’s available for a trade again in a year). All in all, the Williams’ trade is an aggressive statement made by the New Jersey Nets.