In an interview with Sports Illustrated, National Basketball Players Association v.p. Maurice Evans says the players' union supports Deron Williams' move to play in Turkey during the NBA lockout, but said he didn't know if Williams had consulted the NBPA before agreeing to sign with Besiktas of Istanbul.

We support each and every player, so take your hat off to Deron Williams for making a decision to show off his talents in another country and to work with another team that's willing to utilize his services. He's an All-Star in his prime, and to be forced to sit out is a waste.

But when asked if D-Will had consulted the union, Evans said he didn't know.

I have no idea. I think that Deron made a decision for himself and his family. For himself, it's to keep his body in shape so he can be the best possible player for the New Jersey Nets when this lockout ends.

• Maurice Evans, VP of players' union, discusses NBA lockout - Sam Amick - Sports Illustrated
• Players Won't Back Down - Alex Kennedy - HoopsWorld
  
• Landry Fields: More could follow D-Will - Jared Zwerling - ESPN New York
• NBA agents: Don't expect foreign exodus - Fred Kerber - New York Post
  
• On Deron Williams and the NBA players who likely won’t be following him overseas - Rob Mahoney - NBC Sports
• NBA franchise values, where some owners can make bank - Kurt Helin - NBC Sports
• What teams risk in a lockout: Atlantic Division - Matt Moore - CBS Sports