3) D-Will is sent packing; February 23, 2011
The Jazz trade Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, two first-round draft picks and cash.
The decision to deal disgruntled franchise point-man Deron Williams was arguably the most transformative move made by the Jazz since the drafting Karl Malone and John Stockton in the Mid-80s. After 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.
To avoid a situation like the ‘Melo Drama in Denver or the Dwightmare in Orlando, Kevin O’Connor made the bold move to deal Williams 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.
I don’t know if Williams really 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 — but the acquisition of Derrick Favors alone made this one a win.
Favors may be nearing the end of his Jazz run now, but he gave the team several really good years and helped them win playoff games to boot. Moreover, Williams began to break down physically almost immediately after getting moved.
Utah also got Devin Harris (who helped the Jazz get to the playoffs in 2012) and a high lottery pick. They ultimately wasted said pick on Kanter, but that’s still good compensation for a player the franchise expected to leave anyway.