Nets’ Deron Williams On Impending Free Agency: ‘I Will Not Opt In’

Dwight Howard decided to “opt in” yesterday, waiving his early termination option and announcing his intent to stay with the Orlando Magic for another season. As for Deron Williams, the New Jersey Nets guard rumored to be teaming up with Howard next season, there’s no intention of following suit.

Deron Williams tells the Daily News: "I will not op-in. Its not monkey see, monkey do."

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Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) March 16, 2012

Like Howard, Williams has an expiring contract this year — he’s making $16.4 million with the Nets this season, and he has an opt-out clause that would leave $17.8 mil on the table for next year. There’s been widespread speculation that Williams will leave this summer, quite possibly to the Dallas Mavericks.

Williams has now made it known that he’ll definitely be a free agent come July 1. Whether he decides to stay with the Nets then or jump ship remains to be seen.

Williams also told the New York Daily News’ Stefan Bondy that the next place he plays is where he wants to retire. (Wherever that is.)