Deron Williams had an inkling that Paul Pierce could become a member of the Brooklyn Nets this summer. Rumors of Pierce’s move went back a couple of years to when the franchise was still in New Jersey. So when Nets general manager Billy King called Williams to tell him about a trade with the Celtics, Williams was prepared for what King would say.
Or so he thought.
Williams was shocked when King told him in June that they were working to acquire not just Pierce but Kevin Garnett as well. Williams, well aware of the Nets’ struggles with depth up front and their expensive payroll situation, was in thrilled disbelief.
“I knew we were gonna try to get Paul — I thought that was done — and then Billy called me and was like, ‘I’m trying to get KG, too,” Williams told ESPN.com on Thursday at a charity event. “And I’m like, ‘There’s no way you can do that.’ I was like, ‘Shut up. There’s no way you can get both of them.’ And he did it.”
Williams is eager to get started with his new teammates and has embraced coach Jason Kidd‘s challenge to average at least 10 assists this season. The three-time All-Star may have to be patient, however, as he is currently in a walking boot after suffering a sprained right ankle and a bone bruise.
