Utah Jazz: Deron Williams sad to say goodbye

OAKLAND, Calif. — He doesn't like it, but Deron Williams knows trades come with the territory.

"It stinks that these things happen in the NBA," Williams said Friday, one day after the Jazz dealt close friend and starting shooting guard Ronnie Brewer to Memphis for a protected 2011 first-round draft choice.

This particular trade, however, left Williams particularly offended — so much so he questioned the team's thinking and suggested it could influence the length of his future with the franchise.

The All-Star point prefaced Friday's remarks by saying, "I haven't really got nothing much good to say about the trade, so ..."

He hardly stopped there.

"I think if we made a trade, it would be something a little different than that," Williams said after morning shootaround before Friday's game against Golden State.

"You know," he added, "you look at all the teams that are getting better around the West, and we essentially get worse, if you ask me."

Asked how that might impact his long-term thinking, the answer from Williams — who clearly was miffed someone so close was let go — was terse.

"That's why I signed a three-year deal," said Williams, who could have extended for as many five seasons, but instead in 2008 chose three guaranteed starting with this season with a player option for 2012-13.

Williams said it was "pretty safe" to say teammates shared his frustrations.

"Everybody's upset," said swingman C.J. Miles, another of Brewer's good friends, "but I think it's more of a friendship thing."

Brewer, a regular starter for two-plus seasons, made his Memphis debut Friday at home vs. Miami.

Wearing a yellow headband and matching wristbands — apparel banned in Utah by coach Jerry Sloan — he came off the bench and got going with a basket inside.

But Brewer exited in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be a serious hamstring injury. The Grizzlies were calling it a strain, but Brewer was removed from the FedEx Forum court on a cart.

How that affects his future in Memphis is uncertain.

Brewer will be a restricted free agent in the offseason, but the Grizzlies made the trade thinking he may be part of their long-term plans — even if he must play behind O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay.