HoopsHype.com Rumors

Paris is supposed to be wonderful this time of year. The Caribbean, too. But Moscow? “No sunshine but still beautiful,” Nets point guard Deron Williams posted on Twitter this week. Williams and wife Amy posted pictures of themselves and Red Square Wednesday as the offseason’s most intriguing vacation continued in Russia, home of noted billionaire and NBA owner, Mikhail Prokhorov. Though there has been no evidence of Williams and Prokhorov holding serious talks, the two had a casual discussion in Turkey where two other entries in the storyline, Nets general manager Billy King and former Williams Jazz teammate Andrei Kirilenko, also emerged. New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, Free Agency, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams, Andrei Kirilenko, Billy King 

The Nets may not re-sign Deron Williams this summer, but it won’t be for a lack of trying. The star point guard, who repeatedly has said he will opt out of the final year of his contract to test free agency this summer, spent yesterday in Istanbul, Turkey with Nets general manager Billy King and, as first reported by The Post, owner Mikhail Prokhorov. It only can be seen as a good sign for the Nets that Williams would choose to spend time with King and Prokhorov during the offseason. New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, Free Agency, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams, Billy King 

Multiple sources shot down a report last week that the Nets are nearing a verbal agreement with Kirilenko, but also said the Nets have monitored his performance this season. If King and Prokhorov can convince Williams to re-sign, they will have plenty of room to augment the roster to their star’s desire. Only four Nets — guards Anthony Morrow and MarShon Brooks, forward Jordan Williams and center Johan Petro — currently have contracts for next season. New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, Free Agency, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams, Andrei Kirilenko, Billy King 

Nets general manager Billy King tweeted out an idyllic photo from Istanbul on Thursday afternoon, where he said he would be this week for the Euroleague Final Four, which begins Friday. About an hour later, however, Nets fans got a surprise when star point guard Deron Williams – who played for Turkish league power Besiktas in Istanbul during the lockout – tweeted out a photo of what looked to be the nearly the same view captioned “Back in Istanbul.” But the surprises don’t end there, as The Post has learned that Mikhail Prokhorov will King and Williams for CSKA Moscow’s semifinal Friday against Panathinaikos. With Williams famously set to explore free agency this summer – and with his hometown Mavericks, fresh off their four-game sweep at the hands of the Thunder, expected to be the primary challengers for his signature – the fact that he’s spending time during the offseason with both King and Prokhorov can only be seen as a good sign for the team’s chances of keeping him. New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, Free Agency, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams, Andrei Kirilenko, Turkey 

But King, Williams and Prokhorov will also be getting a close look at CSKA star Andrei Kirilenko, a name very familiar to NBA fans after playing 10 years for the Jazz, including together with Williams from the day the point guard was drafted until he was dealt to the Nets. While multiple sources flatly denied a report last week that said a verbal agreement between Kirilenko and the Nets was imminent, The Post did confirm that the team has monitored the versatile 6-foor-10 forward’s play this season for CSKA. In addition to Kirilenko’s obvious connection with Williams – and Kirilenko’s wife, Masha, wrote in a blog that Williams and his wife, Amy, had met with the Kirilenko’s in Istanbul – Kirilenko also has ties to Prokhorov. New York Post

Brooklyn Nets, Free Agency, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams, Andrei Kirilenko, Turkey 

Prokhorov has trademarked "e-phone" in Russia. Watch out, Apple!! Twitter

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov, Russia 

That splash could include the 39-year-old point guard and free-agent-to-be if the Nets are successful in retaining perennial All-Star point guard Deron Williams. The Nets expect the Dallas Mavericks, ousted in a first-round sweep Saturday by the rising Oklahoma City Thunder, to be their primary competition for Williams' services. "I think going to Brooklyn brings a lot of attention," Kidd said. "The last professional team there was the Dodgers, so I think they're going to be very excited. And then with the Russian owner (Mikhail Prokhorov), I mean, he's not short on money so I think they're going to go out and make a splash." ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, Free Agency, Trade, Jason Kidd, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams 

Deron Williams is in a powerful position. The perennial All-Star point guard holds the futures of two franchises in the palm of his hands as he is set to become a free agent on July 1. Could Williams' destination also be the final stop for Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd, also a free-agent-to-be as he attempts to play two more years and take his career a full 20 seasons? Kidd on Saturday reiterated his interest in playing with Williams and also had some interesting insights into the fortunes of the new Brooklyn Nets. “I think going to Brooklyn brings a lot of attention,” Kidd said. “The last professional team there was the Dodgers, so I think they’re going to be very excited. And then with the Russian owner [Mikhail Prokhorov], I mean, he’s not short on money so I think they’re going to go out and make a splash.” ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, Free Agency, Jason Kidd, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams 

Before anyone could ask, Nets coach Avery Johnson explained the reason the Nets were practicing in the Philadelphia 76ers’ practice site yesterday afternoon, rather than their own. The coach, you see, had an appointment yesterday morning with a very important person: his boss, Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov. So instead of holding a normal morning practice at their own facility before going on the road, the Nets adjusted their schedule to accommodate the man who calls the shots. “I can share that we had a great meeting and we’re all on the same page about the vision of the ball club, the commitment that we’re all making and will continue to make,’’ Johnson said of his two-hour pow-wow with the Russian billionaire. “He’s excited about Brooklyn. He’s seen a change in the upgrade of our roster at some positions. So without sharing any more, we had a good meeting.’’ Newark Star-Ledger

Brooklyn Nets, Avery Johnson, Mikhail Prokhorov 

Andy Vasquez: Avery said he had a "great" 2-hour meeting w/ owner Mikhail Prokhorov today, before team traveled to Philly. "We're all on the same page." Twitter

Brooklyn Nets, Avery Johnson, Coaching, Mikhail Prokhorov 

The 6-foot-9 Prokhorov has a significant reach advantage over Cuban, but it wouldn't be Cuban's first brawl with a much bigger foe. "He obviously didn't see me be the first in WWE history to put Sheamus on the mat," Cuban replied Wednesday night via email, referring to his guest host appearance on "Monday Night Raw" in 2009. "He knows not what he gets himself into." ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, Mark Cuban, Mikhail Prokhorov 

In a meeting with five season ticket holders and NetsDaily, Mikhail Prokhorov reiterated his promise of a championship by 2015. He even said the franchise's move to Brooklyn opens new opportunities that could turn the Nets into a dynasty with multiple championships. The meeting took place in his suite at the Prudential Center just before the Nets lost to the Sixers and were eliminated from playoff contention. "I dream about a dynasty not a single championship," said Prokhorov, arguing that Brooklyn with its global brand and marketing opportunities will change players' perceptions of the Nets. "Brooklyn helps us think globally ... gives us a competitive advantage." Among the global initiatives he plans for the Nets are more games overseas, including in Moscow as early as next season. NetsDaily

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov 

To some Russian people, oligarchs are robber barons who stole their raw materials — notably during the great privatization movement of the 1990s, when Prokhorov bought Norilsk Nickel for $250 million and turned it into a $60 billion behemoth. That, of course, was another lifetime. He sold that company just before the crash, and has since put much of his fortune into gold and aluminum, and is reportedly worth somewhere in the rich neighborhood of $13 billion. He offered to give up almost all of it if he won the election, by the way — a move that was widely interpreted as a desperate pander. He ended up with 8 percent of the vote, and is thinking of running again, because he found consolation in a recent survey. “This election was for me a great testimony,” he said. “Twenty percent of Russian population are looking for changes, severe changes to the economy ... (and ultimately) the majority of Russia will fight for the changes. That is why I am optimistic.” Newark Star-Ledger

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov, Russia 

New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov met with likely free-agent-to-be Deron Williams on Monday, Prokhorov told reporters during a Tuesday news conference at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. "We (had) I think a very good discussion," Prokhorov said. "He really wants to win, and I want to (win) maybe even more. I really want to go into details, but I think at this stage, we're on the same page." ESPN.com

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams 

Williams has said he intends to opt out of the final year of his contract at season's end and become a free agent. The Nets can offer the All-Star point guard more than any team -- five years and $109 million, compared to four years and $81 million. "I think he wants to win and he wants to be part of a great franchise," Prokhorov said. "So we have the same view." ESPN.com

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams 

Remember the ESPN report stating Mikhail Prokhorov met with Dwight Howard illegally before the season? Well, Prokhorov finally explained what happened. The Russian said members of the Nets went to Miami to speak with Dan Fegan about free agent Nene. Fegan, of course, also reps Howard. "That’s why it was maybe it was a lot of rumors coming from Dwight Howard’s people." Sulia

Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic, Free Agency, Dwight Howard, Dan Fegan, Mikhail Prokhorov 

Andy Vasquez: Prokhorov just said that he met with Deron Williams yesterday. Said they had a good conversation "I think we're on the same page." Twitter

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams 

Ken Berger: Prokhorov on D-Will: "He wants to win, and I want to win maybe even more." Twitter

Brooklyn Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams 

Andy Vasquez: Prokhorov on fighting Mark Cuban to sign Deron Williams: "Let the best man win." said he would take Cuban on in kickboxing if he lost... Twitter

Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, Mark Cuban, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams 

Still, given that the Mavericks also have a billionaire owner, Mark Cuban, and just won a championship in 2010-11, they'll certainly be able to make a great sales pitch to Williams to entice him to leave. "Let the best man win. If he wins, I will crush him in a kickboxing throwdown," Prokhorov joked of Cuban. ESPN.com

Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, Mark Cuban, Mikhail Prokhorov, Deron Williams