Deron Williams #8 of the New Jersey Nets

Deron Williams #8 of the New Jersey Nets Credit: Deron Williams #8 of the New Jersey Nets (Getty Images)

Dwight Howard might not be coming to Brooklyn, but Deron Williams still is.

The 28-year-old star point guard inked his new five-year, $98-million contract just after the NBA's moratorium on player transactions was lifted at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

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Dwight Howard might not be coming to Brooklyn, but Deron Williams still is.

The 28-year-old star point guard inked his new five-year, $98-million contract just after the NBA's moratorium on player transactions was lifted at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.

General manager Billy King hand delivered the contract to Williams in Las Vegas, where he's training with the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team for the Games in London later this month, and Williams tweeted that he signed it electronically on an iPad.

"I am really excited to be able to officially say that Brooklyn is home," Williams said in a team-issued statement early Wednesday. "It is an incredible time to play in Brooklyn and to be a part of this organization, the first sports team to call Brooklyn home in over 50 years. I believe in the team and what we are going to be able to accomplish on the court, as well as in the community.

ESPN reported Williams, who chose the Nets over Dallas, can opt out of the deal after the fourth year. 

As we remember those we lost on 9/11, we're looking at the ongoing battle to secure long term protection for first responders and the latest twists and turns in the cases of the accused terrorists.

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