NBPA supported Wilson Chandler’s decision to play in China – NBA Update
Former New York Knicks player Wilson Chandler and his agent have revealed that the National Basketball Players Association was kept in the loop regarding the players move to China. Wilson agreed terms with Chinese side Zhejiang
Guangsha (aka the Lions) on a yearlong contract and according to his agent the NBPA did not have any reservations about it.
Chandler played for the Denver Nuggets at the end of last season after he was traded by the Knicks in order to get their hands of star forward Carmelo Anthony in mid season. He was a restricted free agent in the summer when the
Nuggets reportedly offered him $3.1 million to extend his stay.
However, Chandler decided to try his hand at Chinese basketball. Since the Chinese Basketball Association has put a ban on any player under an NBA contract to play in China for just the duration of the lockout and FIBA doesn’t
consent to players moving without a get out clause, Chandler was one of the few people in a position to make the move.
It has though been discussed in NBA circles if his decision could have an adverse effect on the NBA players union and their stance against the NBA owners in the ongoing labour dispute. The players and owners cannot agree on a new
CBA because of the hefty salary cuts demanded by the owners.
The NBPA has previously openly encouraged players to seek employment opportunities overseas. However some quarters have raised questions after Chandler’s move that if NBA players are willing to sign permanent deals in smaller markets
would it not hurt the NBPA’s case.
Chandler himself says he was conscious of the decision and would not make any move that could hurt the majority of the NBA players, who have presented a united front against the league so far.
"I thought about it," Chandler said. "I can't worry about that. That's up to the union and the owners to negotiate. They're going to negotiate what they negotiate. I don't think it's going to hurt at all."
His agent, Chris Luchy, revealed that the NBPA was in contact with Chandler and the union endorsed his decision to join a Chinese team.
"I've had intense conversations with the NBAPA," Luchey said. "We didn't want them to get caught off-guard; with how would it affect the negotiations. [Chandler] didn't want to feel like he was leaving his players high and dry
or make a decision that affected the union in a negative way. Their response was they'd be supportive of it."
It remains to be seen whether more players will follow in Wilson’s footsteps and sign permanent contracts abroad.
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