Deron Williams Chose Nets Over Mavs Partly Because of Mark Cuban Craig Ruttle/Associated Press Deron Williams was the biggest prize on the free-agent market this summer. EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The balance of power in the N.B.A. and the future of basketball in Brooklyn may have been decided by a single meeting in July. Or, more specifically, by a single absence at that meeting. Deron Williams was the biggest prize on the free-agent market, and he was torn between two franchises: the Dallas Mavericks, his hometown team, and the Nets, who traded for him in 2011. The Mavericks offered a partnership with Dirk Nowitzki and the track record of a proven champion. The Nets offered the vague allure of Brooklyn and the potential of a roster not yet fully built. Williams, one of the N.B.A."s top point guards, ultimately chose the Nets, citing their brighter future. He also signed a contract that was significantly richer ($99 million over five years) than what Dallas could offer ($75 million over four years). But Williams cited another factor Monday: the owner Mark Cuban's absence from the Mavericks" recruiting meeting. Cuban had a scheduling conflict - he was in Los Angeles shooting an episode of the reality television show "Shark Tank." Asked if Cuban's absence affected his decision, Williams said flatly, "Of course." Williams added: "A lot of the questions that me and my agent had for them really didn't get answered that day - you know, pertaining to the future. And I think if he was there, he would have been able to answer those questions a little bit better. Maybe would have helped me. The Mavericks" main representatives that day were the team president Donnie Nelson and Coach Rick Carlisle. Williams, 28, said he was most concerned about what Dallas would do once the 34-year-old Nowitzki retired. Those were questions that only Cuban could fully answer, he said. Williams said the message he received from Nelson and Carlisle was, instead, "Just trust their track record." I can honor that, because they do have a good track record. But it's not enough for me to switch organizations, especially when Billy was updating me daily," Williams said, referring to Nets General Manager Billy King. Williams compared the situation to when he was a high school star being recruited by Illinois, Georgia Tech, Tennessee and Maryland. When he learned that Maryland Coach Gary Williams would not meet with him, he canceled his visit. "So that was the end of that," Deron Williams said. Similar. In an e-mail, Cuban said he was "kind of surprised" by Williams's remarks, then added a mischievous dig, saying: "I'm even more surprised that he didn't say something to the effect of, "I am so excited about what the Nets did this summer. It wouldn't have mattered what Cuban did." " Cuban added, "I wish D-Will nothing but the best, but as I've said many times, I'm thrilled with the way things turned out for the Mavs this summer." Cuban had addressed the issue in August, telling a Dallas radio show that he and Williams texted each other "quite a bit" during free agency. But Cuban also allowed that his presence might have made a difference, saying, "You know, because I always think I can close the sale." After missing on Williams, the Mavericks reloaded by acquiring Elton Brand, Darren Collison, O. J. Mayo and Chris Kaman. In the radio interview, Cuban asserted that his team was "in a better position now than we would've been if we'd gotten" Williams. Cuban was making a practical assessment - that the Mavericks acquired a broader array of talent for the money - but his remark was widely interpreted as a slight at Williams. With his comments Monday, Williams effectively returned the volley. Kris Humphries left the Nets on Monday to be with his family after the death of his grandfather. He may return Wednesday. ... Tyshawn Taylor, a rookie point guard, could be cleared for contact by the end of the week. He has missed nearly all of training camp because of a strained quadriceps. ...The Nets will not practice Tuesday, their first day off since camp began.