Deron Williams has agreed in principle to a deal with Besiktas, a club based in Turkey best known for employing Allen Iverson last season, according to Ismail Senol of Turkish TV network NTV Spor (via TalkBasket by way of Hoopshype). The superstar point guard is under contract with the New Jersey Nets for the 2011-12 NBA season, but the lockout has thrown into question whether players can work in Europe or Asia until the labor situation is resolved.
No American publications have independently reported the deal, which would be considered a major shock given that the NBA lockout is just six days old and Williams has never been considered a major threat to move overseas during a stoppage.
TalkBasket's translation indicates that under the rumored deal, Williams would be free to return to the Nets if the lockout ends. That would no doubt by a condition of either the Nets' approval of the move or, barring that, FIBA approval of the deal. FIBA, the world's basketball organization, has rules on players under contract with a team in one league playing for another league without approval. FIBA has remained vague on whether it will clear NBA players under contract who sign deals with sanctioned leagues.
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