Ric Bucher, who has previously offered optimistic assessments of the Nets' chances of keeping Deron Williams added another late this week in his ESPN chat.

Asked if getting Dwight Howard is key to the Nets' getting D-Will to sign, Bucher replied,

"Getting Dwight Howard would do a lot, but upgrading the roster in general will be the biggest factor. From what I hear, Deron’s family already has been out house-hunting and he regularly texts with Billy King about players that would be good to add to their team. That, at least, sounds like a guy looking to stay."

Williams has said there is a "strong possibility" he will stay but also noted that he wants to see what the Nets do to  improve the team.