Mikhail Prokhorov, who has assumed leadership of a new political party in Russia and is putting much of his energies into that venture, has resigned as president of his Onexim investment group, his spokeswoman, Ellen Pinchuk confirmed.

According to a report on netsdaily.com, Prokhorov will be replaced as president of the $25 billion company by his aide, Dmitry Razumov.

The move is not expected to have any effect on Prokhorov's ownership of the Nets.

New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov is the latest billionaire businessman to enter politics -- in his native Russia.

He was elected yesterday to head Right Cause, a 2-year-old, pro-business political party that has so far been marginalized by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

The 6-foot-8 Prokhorov, who earned his fortune in the metals industry before buying his way into the NBA, said he hopes to help Right Cause become the main alternative to Putin's long-dominant United Russia party.

The Nets front-office, led by head coach Avery Johnson, doled out a heavy amount of praise for rookie guard Marshon Brooks in an introductory press conference.

Johnson said he hopes Brooks can break into the Nets’ playing rotation next season, and he said Brooks and Anthony Morrow “are going to be very competitive at the two-guard spot.”

Even though the Nets will be vacating the Prudential Center after the 11-12 NBA season, the city of Newark is hoping to eventually bring in a new team.

The most prominent booster is Newark Mayor Cory Booker. Governor Chris Christie, Devils owner and chairman of Devils Arena Entertainment Jeff Vanderbeek, and Newark native Shaquille O'Neal are behind Booker.

"We're definitely engaging in conversations with folks who have put out feelers about the potential for our arena to host an NBA team," Booker said during a phone interview.

"There are definitely a number of teams struggling in their current arenas. That gives me signs of hope. I think it's an uphill battle, but I think it's a winnable battle."

Anaheim and Newark are considered the top contenders to attract a team.

New Jersey guard Deron Williams is expected to sign with agent Leon Rose, a source said Tuesday, after leaving former longtime agent Bob McClaren.

Messages left for Rose and a representative for McClaren were not immediately returned.

Bloomberg News reported Tuesday that Williams had fired McClaren, who is primarily known as an MLB agent but had close ties with Williams.