Things seemed bleak in Newark following Denver’s decision to deal long-pursued Carmelo Anthony to other side of the Hudson River. Not only was Anthony going to the Nets’ cross-river rivals, but the constant trade speculation made Devin Harris disenchanted with the franchise, and his exit for pennies on the dollar seemed to be the next misstep in the dismal affairs of the New Jersey Nets.
Then, out of absolutely nowhere, news broke this morning that Harris had been packaged with Derrick Favors and two first-round picks to Utah for Deron Williams, arguably the best point guard in the world. Williams is signed through 2012, so any comparisons made to Jason Kidd will naturally include speculation as to how long the All-Star point guard will remain a Net. Given the Nets’ situation 24 hours ago, this shocking news is worth the risk and helps to revitalize a franchise that didn’t have much of a direction once Carmelo and the Nuggets opted against dealing with it.