Report: Nets agree to deal for Williams

FoxSports wrote: The New Jersey Nets agreed to a three-team deal to acquire All-Star point guard Deron Williams from the Utah Jazz, The Record reported Wednesday.

Utah receives point guard Devin Harris, rookie forward Derrick Favors, two first-round draft picks, and $3 million from the Nets.

As part of the deal, the Nets would also send big man Troy Murphy and his expiring contract to Golden State for center Dan Gadzuric and forward Brandan Wright.

Golden State is expected to buy out the remaining months on Murphy's contract, making him a free agent who would likely be pursued by contending teams like Miami and Boston.

The deal for a bona fide star player comes after the Nets failed in their months-long pursuit of forward Carmelo Anthony, who was traded to the rival Knicks on Monday night.

The 26-year-old Williams is among the league's best point guards, averaging 21.3 points and 9.7 assists per game.

The Nets, under billionaire Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov, were looking for a superstar to build around as the team gets set to move to Brooklyn in 2012-13.

Williams' contract runs through next season, with a $17.8 million player option for the 2012-13 season.

Prokhorov is clearly hoping that the former University of Illinois star will remain with the Nets long term, making the team a more attractive destination for other NBA stars.

Williams was at the center of a season-long feud with longtime Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, which led to Sloan resigning unexpectedly on Feb. 10.