According to the New York Post and ESPN.com, the Nets are trading point guard Marcus Williams to the Golden State Warriors for a future first-round draft pick. The pick is lottery-protected for 2011, so the Nets get it if the Warriors reach the playoffs. It is also protected in 2012 and 2013. If the pick is not used by 2013, the Nets get second-round picks in 2013 and 2015.

This was a nice pick-up for the Dubs, who desperately needed to add depth at the point. And this move should be a good thing for Williams, too, as he seemed to need a change of scenery after a couple of injury-riddled seasons to start his NBA career.

The writing was on the wall for Marcus when the Nets picked up Keyon Dooling in a sign-and-trade on Monday. While Dooling, 28, is a solid pro, he is a streaky scorer who seems destined to be a career back-up. Williams, only 22, has far more upside as a facilitator, and he may be able to reach his full potential in Oakland. Of course, playing for Don Nelson won’t help him improve his sub-par defense.

As for the Nets, let’s face it. They’re simply looking ahead to the 2010 free agent class of LeBron, Wade and company. In the meantime, they’re clearing up cap space and adding a veteran in Dooling to a team full of youngsters. With the Williams trade, they add another asset with a draft pick for the future, when they’ll actually be intent on winning.