National Basketball Association

Report: Deron Williams had to be restrained from going after coach Lionel Hollins

Published Jul. 10, 2015 4:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

By Larry Brown

The same day a report emerged that Deron Williams wants out of Brooklyn, we're learning that the point guard had a major conflict with Nets coach Lionel Hollins.

According to the New York Daily News' Stefan Bondy, Williams had to be restrained from going after Hollins around the All-Star break:

Williams has two years and $43.3 million remaining on his contract with the Nets and does not want to return to the team. He is trying to force a trade to his hometown Dallas Mavericks or have the team release him.

At one time considered one of the best point guards in the league along with Chris Paul, Williams has struggled with injuries and system fits since signing with the Nets. He was openly mocked by fans for his struggles, and he even admitted a few years ago that he wasn't the same player since leaving the Utah Jazz.

Between running Jerry Sloan out of town in Utah and this conflict with Hollins, Williams is not helping his reputation as a coach killer. Now it will be interesting to see if Williams ends up with the Mavericks despite his past issues with Mark Cuban.

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