Jazz Players Shocked By Abrupt Deron Williams Trade

Deron Williams' trade to the New Jersey Nets shocked just about everyone Wednesday morning, Williams himself included. Among those floored by the deal for the All-Star guard were Williams' (former) Jazz teammates, reports Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune.

Smith reports from Dallas, where the Jazz are preparing to play the Mavericks, that Williams was in the trainers' room with teammates Raja Bell, Ronnie Price and Paul Millsap when he first saw the trade rumor on his phone. He downplayed the rumor until seeing a SportsCenter report indicating that the deal was done.

Bell told Smith he talked to Williams at length about the trade once the point guard was notified. Sources close to Williams have said that the All-Star was not reacting well to the trade; it remains to be seen how much of that sentiment revolves around the Nets, and how much is a reaction to the abrupt and inartful way Williams learned of the move.