Nets Owner Mikhail Prokhorov Will "Crush" Mark Cuban If He Signs Deron Williams

New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov responded to rumors that his star point guard Deron Williams might be wooed away in free-agency this summer by the Mavericks, playfully joking that if that were to happen, he would have “crush” Dallas owner Mark Cuban.

“Let the best man win,” Prokhorov said, according to the New York Daily News. “If he wins, I will crush him with the kickboxing throwdown.”

When the Nets originally traded for Williams last season, the team believed that they would be able to sign the All-Star guard to a long-term extension. Williams, however, has held off signing such a deal, and will become a free-agent following this season. Initially it was believed that Williams chose not to sign prior to this season because under the new collective bargaining agreement he could make more money if he signed following the 2011-12 campaign. However, the Nets failure to secure big-name talent around the star has led some to believe he may leave.

The Dallas Mavericks appear to be the biggest potential suitor for Williams. The club has a large amount of cap space opening up after this season, and already has a cast of stars for Williams to gel with.