The electricity is gone.
Derrick Williams, nicknamed “D-Thrill” by Sacramento fans for his thunderous dunks, has decided to sign a two-year, $10 million contract with the New York Knicks. The second year is a player option according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard.
The Kings declined a qualifying offer for Williams by the July 1 deadline, making him an unrestricted free agent. He met with Knicks officials in Los Angeles prior to Friday’s announcement.
On November 26, 2013, Williams was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Kings in exchange for Luc Mbah a Moute. In 141 games with the Kings (21 starts), the wing produced 8.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.9 turnovers in 22.1 minutes a contest.
Williams’ stint in Sacramento was maddeningly inconsistent. The 24-year-old scored a career-high 31 points against the Dallas Mavericks on December 9, 2013, but more often than not the incredible leaper disappeared for long stretches on offense.
The February hiring of head coach George Karl brought the best out of Williams to date, yet he still struggled with defense, rebounding and passing. The 6-foot-8, 240-pounder remains a tweener at forward in the NBA, a concern even before the Timberwolves drafted him second overall from Arizona in 2011.
In the Big Apple, Williams will be given ample opportunities to realize his potential. He’ll be remembered in Sacramento for providing an entertaining distraction from a season of off-court drama.
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