Nets acquire point guard Deron Williams

The Nets couldn’t close a deal for Carmelo Anthony, but they closed one for a franchise-changing player and arguably the NBA’s best point guard, multiple league sources told The Record.

The Nets have acquired All-Star point guard Deron Williams in an out-of-the-blue blockbuster. In the deal, the Nets will send Devin Harris, Derrick Favors and two No. 1 picks to the Utah Jazz. Williams is averaging 21.3 points and is third in the league in assists, dishing 9.7 per game.

The deal has been agreed upon. It’s pending league approval and everyone passing their physicals.

In a separate trade, the Nets will ship Troy Murphy to Golden State for big men Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright. A second-round pick also may go to the Warriors

The picks the Nets are giving up are theirs this year and the likely Warriors’ protected pick next year. There could be more involved, and players included to make the salaries match.

But it’s a great deal for the Nets because they’re giving up far less than they would have for Anthony and getting someone who is sure to make everyone around him better. Brook Lopez, especially, should benefit from playing with Williams.

The Nets also didn’t have to meet with Williams, 26, or try to convince him to sign a contract extension, which they couldn’t do with Anthony. But they hope they can keep Williams’ long term and make him the centerpiece of the team when they open up the Barclays Center in Brooklyn in 2012.

Williams is signed through next season and has a $17.8 million player option for 2012-13. The Nets still have draft picks and flexibility and will try to acquire star-caliber players and see if Williams’ presence can attract some in an effort to get him to commit to the franchise into Brooklyn and beyond.