RING ME BACK: Williams expresses desire to make TNT comeback

TNT head coach Chot Reyes is keeping his lines open in case controversial guard Mikey Williams decides to sit down for negotiations.

Williams dropped by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to watch his former squad beat Barangay Ginebra, 91-86, in their Commissioner’s Cup match Friday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

It was the first time for the 2021 Rookie of the Year to visit the league since the Tropang Giga terminated the last of his three-year contract following a negotiation standoff.

“He knows my number. He knows how to get in touch with me. I always say I’m just a message or a phone call away,” Reyes said.

Williams, who helped TNT win the 2021 Philippine Cup and the 2023 Governors’ Cup titles, expressed the desire to rejoin the squad that selected him 4th overall in the 2020 Draft.

“It’s kind of heartfelt. I want to be out there with them. But there’s some things that still need to be addressed. I definitely miss them, but it’s love seeing them as well,” said the two-time Finals Most Valuable Player.

“I just wish I could compete with them. Only time will tell when that’s possible,” he added.

“I always want to be with TNT. No question. But only time will tell, like I said.”

Asked if he’s already in talks for a return stint, the 33-year-old kept mum.

Reyes said it’s been a while since the franchise and Williams went “radio silence.”

“There was a time we’ve been in touch. We’ve been in touch with his agents. He has a lot of agents, I don’t know who to talk to anymore,” he said.

“Since then, we’ve had radio silence for perhaps, I don’t know, one year now or at least six months already.”

While his PBA comeback hangs in the air, Williams will play for Strong Group Athletics.

He signed with the squad which will compete in the Dubai International Basketball Championship taking place from 24 January to 2 February.

Williams, a sweet-shooting combo guard, is joined by Andray Blatche, Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Ange Kouame, Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot, and four-time National Basketball Association All-Star and former Sacramento Kings main man DeMarcus Cousins.