"Larry Bird was at a crossroad with Shawne Williams.

The Indiana Pacers president liked his potential, but he just drafted Brandon Rush, and Williams had hurt himself by being involved in several off-the-court incidents during his first two seasons.

Friday, Bird sent Williams to Dallas for swingman Eddie Jones, two future second-round draft picks and about $1.8 million in cash. The Pacers will have Dallas' second-round pick next year and then have the option for its 2010 or 2011 pick.

The Pacers also signed center Jeff Foster to a two-year contract extension Friday.

"I was very reluctant to (trade Williams) because of the talent, but when it came down to it, we felt we could get a couple of second-round picks, get off some money next year," Bird said.

"I was at a crossroad whether we were going to pick up his option next year, and if we didn't do that we figured it might not be a good season for him. It was probably best to do the deal and move on."

Williams averaged 6.7 points in two seasons, but several off-court incidents put the franchise in a bad light and made him expendable. Bird said during the summer that Williams was on "thin ice" and that they planned to pursue trade options.

Williams was going to have a difficult time earning playing time because swingman is the Pacers' deepest position.

"This was a good deal for everybody because both sides get a fresh start," said Williams' agent, Happy Walters. "Shawne really loved being a Pacer, but he knows the trade is probably the best thing for him."

Williams will be reunited with Rick Carlisle, who coached him during his rookie season. The Mavericks play the Pacers in a preseason game at Conseco Fieldhouse on Wednesday.

Jones, who is in his 15th season, is expected to report to the Pacers this weekend. He has been dealing with a hamstring injury."