Former star guard Deron Williams recounts trade from Jazz, time in Utah
Aug 9, 2026, 10:32 AM
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 21: Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — Deron Williams is one of the best players in franchise history for the Utah Jazz and one of the most underrated players of the 21st century.
His professional career started in Salt Lake City, and he has maintained strong ties to the Jazz since retiring in 2017.
Near the end of the 2025-26 season, Williams joined former NBA players Zach Randolph and Tony Allen on the Out The Mud podcast to talk about his career and specifically his time in Utah.
From Illinois To Utah
After a standout college career vaulted him to the top of the 2005 NBA Draft, Williams landed in Utah with the third overall pick.
He felt it was the best basketball situation for him to step into, but also said it wasn’t all roses from day one.
Coach (Jerry) Sloan played mind games with me. I think he did things on purpose to see how I would react. I get (it) now. At the time, I didn’t get (it). At the time, it pissed me off. We ended up 41-41 and missed the playoffs by one game, and he was (messing) with me for half the season.
Williams went on to explain that eventually his mindset shifted, Sloan saw the difference, and he became a regular starter.
One year later, the Jazz went from missing the postseason to a top seed in the West and a playoff run to the conference finals.
Williams had nothing but good things to say about that era of his career. From the state to the team and the fans.
People always ask me (where was) my favorite place to play and (what were) my favorite teams. It was definitely Utah. My first three or four years were just pure basketball and hooping. Playing with those guys, I think the team was built perfectly. The fans were the best. I loved playing there, it was amazing.
Utah Jazz Deron Williams 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0i7TCfbXhy
— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) August 18, 2022
When The Tables Turned
Similar to the start of his tenure in Utah, the ending left a sour taste in the mouth of all parties involved.
Williams went back to the 2010-11 season and recounted his rocky relationship with Coach Sloan and the subsequent trade that sent him to New Jersey.
He explained that it started in preseason, and that negative energy carried on through the year. Williams played in 53 games and Sloan coached 54 before both moved on to their next chapter.
After all of the in-house drama, Williams said he still didn’t see the trade coming.
I was getting taped at the training room in the hotel. It pops up on the TV: ‘Breaking news: Deron Williams traded to the Nets.’ Someone asked, ‘D-Will, is that true?’ I looked and said, ‘I don’t know.’ I found out that day, didn’t play in the game in Dallas, obviously, went out and told everyone bye, and packed up and headed to Brooklyn.
D-Will In Utah
Through the ups and downs, Williams remains one of the most prolific point guards in Utah’s franchise history.
He ranks among the Jazz’s top ten all-time leaders in free throws (tenth), assists (fourth), minutes per game (fifth), assists per game (second), and win shares (ninth).
Williams still lives in the state and keeps close with the organization.
