Dwight Howard opted into the final year of his deal yesterday, waiving his early termination option and ensuring that he remains under contract with the Magic for another season. Deron Williams finds himself in a situation similar to Howard's, with a player option for 2012/13, but the Nets point guard doesn't intend to exercise it.
"I will not opt in," Williams told Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News (Twitter link). "It's not monkey see, monkey do."
According to Bondy, Williams plans to explore his free agency and weigh his options this summer. The 27-year-old says the next place he plays, whether that's Brooklyn or elsewhere, is where he wants to retire (Twitter links).
While Howard changed his mind about his future a few times, Williams sounds resolute in his plans. He told reporters, including Andy Vasquez of the Bergen Record (Twitter link), that he hasn't lost sleep contemplating this summer like Howard did: "I haven't flip-flopped and gone back and forth. It's not even close to the same situation."
Nets GM Billy King said today on WFAN in New York that he's very confident Williams will re-sign with the team (hat tip to Colin Stephenson of the Star-Ledger).
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