Nets Punish Williams

Terrence Williams is going to be inactive for tonight and tomorrow’s game in Boston for “repeatedly violating team policy.”

“It’s been something we’ve dealt with for the past two to three weeks or so,” coach Avery Johnson said before the game. “I don’t know if he clearly understands what we’re trying to do.”

Johnson made the announcement about 90 minutes before Tuesday’s game against the Hawks. Johnson also said Williams would not travel to Boston.

Williams has a penchant for being late to shootarounds and practices. It seems that’s what’s happened here, although neither Johnson nor GM Billy King would expand on what happened. Johnson did say Williams had been fined at least two or three times previously for this violation and now they’re trying this.

“We’ll take it day-by-day,” Johnson said. “The focus right now is on the Nets and the guys in uniform that are working their butts off, who have really bought into the program and they try.

“One of the things with the NBA is not about being an NBA player. It’s about being a professional.”

Williams was not available for comment.

Murphy "Probably" Will Be Traded

Ticketbody3_edited_tiny by Net Income on Nov 18, 2010 2:05 PM EST

It's now gone from speculation to, well, something more. Colin Stephenson of the Star-Ledger reports that "a person with knowledge of the team's plans" tells him that Troy Murphy "probably" will be traded before the February 23 deadline.

Stephenson had no further details, but noted that Murphy's two preseason injuries have slowed his development and that his expiring $11.9 million contract could be a good trade piece. The latest rumors on a Carmelo Anthony trade had Murphy, Derrick Favors and possibly Kris Humphries being sent to Denver in a two-team deal. The Nets have been pleasantly surprised by the development of both Favors and Humphries, who is averaging 13 rebounds as a starter.

Billy King in comments to beat reporters Wednesday night had said it's entirely possible that with some strength and conditioning work Murphy could return to the Nets' rotation or even the starting lineup.

NetsDaily.com