Deron Williams Re-signs With Nets: $98 Million Contract

By Charlene Cooper | Jul 04, 2012 12:23 PM EDT

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Deron Williams, one of the NBA's top available free agents, has agreed to remain with the New Jersey Nets.

The point guard said on his Twitter Tuesday that he "made a very tough decision today" and showed off the Nets' new team logo, signifying the Nets' move from New Jersey to Brooklyn.

A source with knowledge of the decision said Williams informed the team that he would be taking their five-year contract worth $98 million.

Williams decided to remain with the Nets over taking a deal with his hometown team, the Dallas Mavericks.

This is a positive jump start towards the Nets' new move into the Barclays Center with the beginning of the 2012-2013 basketball season.

The Nets made a large financial sacrifice to get Williams in a February 2011 trade, giving up forward Derrick Favors, point guard Devin Harris, two first-round draft picks and cash to the Jazz.

Williams' next move will be to head to Las Vegas with the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team Thursday.

Confirmation of the agreement happened under anonymity since contracts will not be officially signed until July 11.

Williams' decision to stay with the New Jersey Nets follows closely behind the Nets' deal with Atlanta for guard Joe Johnson and talks about a possible deal the team hopes to make for Orlando's Dwight Howard.

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