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SALT LAKE CITY -- Sunday night, Deron Williams participated in his second All-Star game, playing 18 minutes, scoring five points. Williams also had seven assists, one steal, one rebound, and one block.
However, it wasn't the All Star game that got Jazz fans talking.
Late Saturday night, Ken Berger of CBS Sports reported that a source close to Williams said that the Jazz point guard was looking to join the New York Knicks in 2012; a move that would be similar to the all-star exodus of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to Miami, with Williams likely joining Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudamire in New York.
When it comes from my mouth, when you hear me say, 'I want to go to New York,' then you believe it.
–Deron Williams
A source close to Williams claimed that Deron had conversations about leaving Utah after last season when it was believed that Stoudemire would end up in New York. With continuous talks of Anthony trying to work out a deal with the Knicks, the offer for Williams became more attractive.
Saturday night's report was the first time that Williams' name has been added to the firestorm of players looking for bigger market teams. Earlier reports had Chris Paul and Dwight Howard leaving their teams to come to New York, but now with Williams' name on the list, it's anybody's guess.
Or is it?
When Williams caught wind of the rumor, he vehemently denied the reports, saying he's never heard of Ken Berger. Berger eventually approached Williams to discuss the potential move to New York.
"So you're Ken Berger," Williams said. "Who did you hear it from?"
"I can't say," Berger replied.
"Exactly, so it's not credible," Williams said. "When it comes from my mouth, when you hear me say, ‘I want to go to New York,' then you believe it."
Whether the reports are true or not, Williams will remain quiet about his decision to stay with the Jazz. Williams is still on contract for one more season, becoming a free agent going into the 2012-13 season.
"I'm not going to answer any questions about it until it's that time," Williams told The Salt Lake Tribune. "If I say, 'I'm going to opt out after the [2010-11] season concludes next year' -- I decide what I'm going to do -- then I'll say it. I haven't decided what I'm going to do."
Prior to All Star weekend, Williams was taking heat because of an argument in the locker room that many believed led to Jerry Sloan's mid-season resignation. No one has a clear answer to what took place that night, but Williams will continue to be in the spotlight.
Jazz fans will be looking to put their trust back in Williams, but with reports about Sloan and New York circling around him, fans will be hesitant to completely believe Williams.
The Jazz have 25 games left in the regular season as they try to hang on to a spot in the playoffs. Williams has plenty of time to show what his real intentions are as the team looks to win their first game under head coach Tyrone Corbin at the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.
