Kobe Bryant offered $1.5 million to play in the Chinese League – NBA Rumour Mill
The NBA lockout is apparently not the only thing that is going to end any time soon. As it turns out, the speculation surrounding Kobe Bryant’s move to the international arena is also an issues that has all the ingredient of uncertainty
involved.
It was only until a few days ago, he was linked with Turkish club Besiktas. Now, all of a sudden, he has offers pouring in from China as well.
China has created a huge commotion in the basketball market after Kobe was allegedly offered a $1.5 million per month deal. This is more than what Besiktas can offer and provided the lockout does not end anytime soon, Kobe might
be quite interested in the offer.
Although, big names such as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have reportedly stated that they are not interested in playing abroad, Kobe might be convinced otherwise after reviewing the offer. Bryant is an International icon and possibly
the most marketable star, especially in Asia.
Sources have claimed that Kobe has been willing to accept the offer if it wasn’t for the restrictions imposed by the Chinese Basketball Association. The CBA is mulling over whether they should implement a ‘no opt-out’ clause in
the agreement or not.
If it is indeed implemented, players who decide to play in China during the lockout will not be able to return to the NBA if the lockout ends, They will have to wait till the end of their contract. The decision by the CBA is expected
to be out by the middle of this week.
Also, the international basketball governing body FIBA has passed a ruling whereby although the players can move to foreign teams during the lockout, they have to return to the NBA as soon as the lockout ends.
The black mamba is probably the most iconic basketball player of the current era. He has undoubtedly created the most waves after Michael Jordan. A move to China is not only something wanted by the basketball fans in China, but
also by sponsors such as Nike.
Kobe is reportedly taking his time with regards to this whole matter and is waiting for the European and Asian markets to unfold before he can make any decision about his future. However, if he does decide to move, it will give
a huge boost the economy of the country.
The prospect of NBA players in China, that too of the stature of Kobe Bryant, is an enticing prospect for China. For that matter, it might very well be the case that a compromise could be reached between the Chinese Basketball
Association and the players.
The CBA might only do itself harm by enacting a ‘no opt-out’ clause, for that would certainly mean no NBA participation in the Chinese league. Whatever the case, the speculation surrounding Kobe’s future is certainly not going
to lie down easily.
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