Utah Jazz: Ranking Two Decades Worth of Trade Deadline Deals
By Ryan Aston
3) D-Will is Sent Packing, February 23 2011
The Jazz send Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, two first round draft picks and cash.
The decision to deal their seemingly disgruntled franchise guard was perhaps the most transformative move made by the team since the drafting of Karl Malone and John Stockton in the early 80s. After enjoying a half-decade of success with Williams and Carlos Boozer leading the charge, the Jazz saw the writing on the wall and looked to reboot.
Wanting to avoid the kind of circus brought on by the ‘Melo Drama in Denver and the Dwightmare in Orlando, Kevin O’Connor made the bold move to send D-Will to the Nets and made a killing on the return. It was a proactive measure to get the best return possible for their All-Star.
While I don’t know that Williams would’ve held the Jazz hostage as some would say that Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard did with their respective teams–and I still contend that Williams may have re-signed–the acquisition of Derrick Favors alone makes this one a big win. Especially given the way that Williams’ body has broken down in the ensuing years.
Harris helped the Jazz reach the NBA Playoffs in 2012 and the draft picks obtained in the trade eventually became a top-three selection (Kanter) and a piece that was used to swing a trade for Trey Burke, who is carving a nice role out for himself as Utah’s sixth man.
Next: No. 2: Jazz Take It to the Next Level