Denver Nuggets free agent Wilson Chandler Agrees to play for an Italian Club during the NBA Lockout
There have been rumours all summer, of certain big names moving to the foreign leagues to play basketball. Players like Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade have been in the mix throughout. However, up to now only one big
name in Deron Williams has made a move abroad. Now another household name, Wilson Chandler, has agreed to apply his trade in Italy.
Wilson Chandler, the current restricted free agent of the Denver Nuggets, has signed a deal with Olimpia Milano in the Italian league. The terms and conditions of the deal are such that according to the deal, he will be allowed
to leave the team after the first stage of the Euro league.
Although, this might seem like a catch, it should be remembered that he will at least be able to rejoin the NBA if it gets the green signal. Other leagues such as the Chinese league have placed a total no opt-out policy, which
essentially binds the player to the club until his contract expires after a year.
The first stage of the Euroleague will comprise of around two and a half months. Olimpia Milano has apparently offered the Denver Nuggets small forward $500,000 for his services during the said time period.
This means that the big man will be earning almost the same amount of money as he would in the NBA. His current qualifying offer in the league is stated at $3.1 million. However, with the lockout in effect, there will be no salaries
for players and this might just be the best possible move for Chandler.
The only potential issue for Wilson could arise if the NBA lockout gets resolved and he is still under his two and a half month contract in Italy. He will be able to return only after he completes the stated time period, however,
by then the NBA season will be in full flow and that might pose a problem for Chandler.
The problem will be that his credentials might get devalued midway through the season, because by then the teams would have already chalked out their plans and strategies. Even if any team decides to employ him, he might have to
accept a low wage contract.
Chandler will definitely have to take a chance if he goes through with the deal. A more realistic view, however, suggests that the NBA lockout might not get resolved by the time Wilson fulfils his contract in Italy. That will allow
him to return and once again be available as a free agent in the market.
The story doesn’t just end there. Provided the NBA lockout is not resolved even by December, Wilson can then re sign with the Italian club and play out the whole year. That way, not only will he make ample money, but also gain
considerable international experience.
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