After such a long lockout-generated layoff, it’s busy season in the NBA and the Nets should be among the busiest teams.

They have the money – up to about $24 million for free agency – the star point guard and some assets to at least be in the conversation to acquire Dwight Howard.

Negotiations for players and free agents should heat up over the weekend and early next week, building to the expected opening of camps Dec. 9. Here are some pressing issues concerning the Nets and their roster and one major issue that seems to be put to rest – for now.
 
 
D-Will Won’t
Deron Williams’ agent Jeff Schwartz said yesterday what many people were already thinking, including Nets execs: his client won’t sign an extension with the Nets and will become

When the Nets went to Russia and China in the preseason, they were looking forward to bonding, developing chemistry and getting better acquainted with coach Avery Johnson and his system.

The Nets are hoping for some of the same things in London this week as they try to incorporate Deron Williams into Johnson’s system.

Unfortunately for the Nets, they don’t have this week plus another two of camp and exhibition games to build something. They have to do it on the fly, and with Williams probably limited to no practices on the trip.

The way the schedule has worked out, the Nets have had three games, two shootarounds and no practices since Williams flew to New Jersey last week after his blockbuster acquisition from Utah. The Nets are expected to have two practices and at

NEWARK – As the fourth quarter wound down, and then the overtime, it looked like the Nets were going to have a similar result as the last time they jumped aboard an intercontinental flight. And you expected Deron Williams to deliver a clinching basket.

In preseason, Stephen Graham hit a buzzer-beating, game-winner to send the Nets off to Russia and ultimately China.

Last night, in Williams’ home debut, the Nets came up just short of leaving for London with a comeback victory at the buzzer. They ended up losing 104-103 to the Suns in a wild, entertaining game that 15,836 fans attended.

The ball was in Williams’ battered hands on the last play and he turned the corner for the basket, getting by Grant Hill and Marcin Gortat before putting up a runner over Channing Frye

The Nets got the message that their effort needs to improve, but even when they played harder and with more energy than they have in almost two weeks they still were blown out.

This isn’t good for their self-esteem or confidence that if they do the right things they can win another game. Of course, you have to take into account the opponent.

The Nets played at Phoenix, and the Suns needed a win. They had lost four straight and didn’t want to extend the skid against the worst team in the NBA. No one wants to be the team that losses to the Nets.

The Suns didn’t need to worry because their star power and execution were far too much for the Nets to handle and resulted in a 118-94 rout.

If the Nets play this way in their next game, at Golden State, maybe they can pull out