Deron Williams: If owners have way, more NBA players will go overseas

Deron Williams is one of several players planning on playing in Europe while the NBA lockout rages on. He has an out clause in his contract, however, that will enable him to join the NBA when the lockout ends.
New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams says NBA players going overseas to play could be a long-term thing if the owners get their way at the bargaining table. (AP Photo)

But Williams told ESPN that an owner-favored CBA could lead to an exodus.

"If the proposal (the owners) have, if that's what they're sticking with and that's what they want, then I think it would be hard for a lot of guys to come back to the NBA," Williams told ESPN.com.

The key issue that Williams says could spurn action is salaries. Owners have proposed cutting player salaries by nearly 33 percent, meaning top-flight stars – like Kobe Bryant – could pull in $10 or $11 million per season.

"(Kobe) could go make more money overseas, I guarantee you," Williams said in the interview. "If (European teams) knew he could be there for a full season, or they knew I could be there for a full season, or they knew LeBron James could be there for a full season, they'll pay more money, of course."

Williams also told ESPN that he’s heard from at least 10 NBA players – and identified some as superstars – since his decision to go overseas became public. And, he says, many players may follow his lead.

"I've talked to a lot of players, you would be surprised," Williams told ESPN. "I talked to a few before and I knew some guys were considering it as well. But since it came out, it was just like a snowball of guys calling me (saying) 'What are you doing? When are you leaving?' And guys want to go too. They want to do it."