Deron Williams To Turkey If NBA Doesn't Play; He Won't Be The Only One

Is Deron Williams waving goodbye to the NBA?

Deron Williams has said today that he will be heading to Turkey to play next season if the NBA lockout continues into next season.  According to the New York Times, a deal has been reached between Williams and Turkish team Besiktas to play this upcoming season.  While Williams is the first player to agree to play in Europe, he certainly won't be the last.

If there is a delay in the upcoming season, I expect more layers to look to make money by playing overseas.  I assume that Patrick Ewing spoke for the lifestyle of many NBA players during the last work stoppage.  Recall his famous line "We make a lot of money...but we spend a lot too."  While many players have had the foresight to get their financial houses in order, there are probably just as many who are living huge paycheck to huge paycheck.  Pretty soon, they are going to need money.

Money.  It's what NBA owners say they don't have, and what many European owners are willing to throw at NBA stars to get them to jump the pond.

European teams have clamored to have the world's greatest players play in their league, so don't be surprised when these owners are throwing huge dollars at NBA players, even guys who aren't "superstars".  Remember Josh Childress a few years ago?  He left the NBA on his own for more money in Greece.  He wasn't a star, just a role player for the Hawks.  Obviously the money has to be great to get Deron Williams to go play in Turkey.  I doubt he's going on a vacation or going to study Turkish culture; it's all about the cash.  Imagine what one of these owners would be willing to pay Kobe Bryant or LeBron James.

David Stern says it's just fine if players want to go to Europe and play, because their contracts have been suspended by the NBA.  It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when.

How many players do you expect to jump to Europe?  Will other stars like Kobe, LeBron and Wade make the jump as well?