Timofey Mozgov and Chris Quinn cement deals with Russian team BC Khimki - NBA Lockout
With high profile stars such as Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade, all expressing willingness to take a leap into international waters, some other and relatively less recognized contributors to the game,
have also decided to take their trade overseas.
Timofey Mozgov of the Denver Nuggets and Chris Quinn of the San Antonio Spurs are two of the latest transfers out of the NBA. Mozgov played as a centre for the Nuggets, whereas, Quinn was a point guard for the Spurs.
Both players have opted to sign for the same Russian team - BC Khimki.
Mozgov started his career with BC Khimki, where he played for four seasons before making a move to the New York Knicks in NBA. Among his latest move, he said.
“I am glad that everything turned out perfectly. I grew up as a player in Khimki and spent great days in here. I have a lot of friends in the team and the adaptation period to the team will not be a problem. Khimki is my second
home and we quickly reached an agreement. I hope I can help the team in the upcoming season.” stated the big centre.
Mozgov’s move however is placed on hold, until approved by FIBA. This is in direct relation to his existent 3 year contract with the Denver Nuggets. He will require a letter of clearance from FIBA, who had not yet disclosed whether
they will grant such allowances to players held in the current lockout scenario or not.
However, Mozgov expressed his desire to move out of the NBA and back to Khimki, where he spent most of his younger days.
Earlier, Chris Quinn had also signed a $1 million one year contract with BC Khimki. The contract has a clause whereby Quinn is not allowed to return to NBA, if the current lockout ends. Quinn, however, was satisfied over his decision.
His agent claimed that it was the right thing to do and made perfect sense for a player like him. Quinn has not made any sort of fortune in NBA and has had very little playing time over the course of his career. He further explained
that this move was going to provide him with both financial as well as play time security, a privilege he has never had in his 5 year long career.
Chris Quinn had struggled to make a break into the NBA limelight, where he had his most fruitful season in 2007-08 with averages of 7.8 points and 3 assists in 22 minutes. Mozgov, on the other hand, had a rookie season last year
where he played in 45 games split between the Knicks and the Nuggets.
NBA players like David Andersen and Hilton Armstrong have also made the plunge into foreign leagues and this trend is only going to grow, till the NBA and the player’s union reach an agreement on the Labour dispute.
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