Deron Williams Eyes Turkey; Could Be First to Relocate During NBA Lockout

Deron Williams may have found a way to play basketball this fall after all. Of course, Williams and the rest of the NBA aren't expected to play American pro basketball any time soon due to the lockout. But the players do have options to suit up elsewhere, as foreign leagues would probably be eager to take them for a while.

Williams is now rumored to be the first star to test that theory; reports have the Nets' point guard in talks with Turkey's Besiktas club, according to BallinEurope.com. This is the same team that briefly had Allen Iverson on board, although his overseas career only lasted a few games.

But this would be another story since Williams is not an aging star at the end of his career. In fact, he may soon be one of the most sought-after players in the league given that he is a free agent after the 2011-12 season. Yet fewer and fewer people expect there to be a season, or at least one that is 82 games long.

The Nets have to pray the lockout doesn't last long, if only so the team has a better shot at keeping Williams. After acquiring him in a trade with the Utah Jazz, New Jersey knew that it only had a short window of opportunity to convince him to stay on board. If the next season is canceled and the Nets can't show him they are on the rise, then he might be more inclined to test the market.

Williams would also lose out as well in a season-canceling lockout since he would lose the chance to impress potential suitors. As such, he will need to stay active if he wants to make the best case in free agency; playing in Turkey for a while could suit that purpose.

Time will tell if others will want to try that strategy so they can play at least some basketball this year. The Los Angeles Times alleged that Kobe Bryant is interested in going on tour in China, along with several other stars.

These rumors are very premature, but they reflect just how bleak the NBA has become thanks to the lockout. The situation has only lasted for a week, yet no one appears confident that a solution will save the season. In fact, Williams may have so little faith that he is prepared to spend the next year playing ball in Turkey, which would further speculation that others will join him overseas.

Europe, China and the rest of the basketball world may become the big winner of the lockout. However, American pro basketball is looking like a bigger loser by the day, and would suffer its largest blow yet should these rumors about Williams pan out.

Sources

BallinEurope- "Report: Deron Williams To Besiktas Cola Turka"

Los Angeles Times- "Kobe Bryant might take part in exhibition games in China"