Lionel Hollins responds to reports of clash with Deron Williams during regular season

NBA players and their head coaches aren't always going to see eye-to-eye. Disagreements occur on occasion, with both sides perhaps raising their voices in the heat of the moment.

The relationship between former Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams and Nets coach Lionel Hollins appeared to be more strained than most, though, with the 31-year-old recently being granted his release so he could pursue a deal with the Dallas Mavericks.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News originally reported how Williams had to be restrained during a meeting with Hollins to "air out grievances" during the regular season.

Hollins, while not completely disputing the story, doesn't believe his relationship with Williams was the reason he wanted out, as "clashes" with players have happened on numerous occasions during his esteemed coaching career.

The Mavericks are expected to sign the three-time NBA All-Star to a two-year, $10-million contract once he clears waivers on Monday.

Williams is coming off his worst season since his rookie campaign, averaging 13 points on 38.7 percent shooting, along with 6.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 31.1 minutes per game. While it couldn't have been easy to play through two wonky ankles, his poor numbers were the culmination of a three-year statistical regression which began in 2013.

Brooklyn got into the playoffs by the slimmest of margins, finishing the regular season with a record below .500 (38-44) before falling in the opening round to the Atlanta Hawks in six games.

Perhaps one day when the Nets and Mavericks cross paths, we'll see Williams and Hollins approach each other on the sidelines, shake hands, go for a hug, and that will be that. Then again, perhaps the entire storyline is overblown and it's merely just another case of player and coach letting off some steam.