Wilson Chandler’s agent unveils the details of China move – NBA Update
Denver Nuggets free agent Wilson Chandler caused a stir in NBA circles, when he announced the signing of a contract with Chinese team Zhejiang Guangsha aka the ‘Lions’. Now his agent, Chris Luchey, has revealed some of the goings on that resulted in Chandler agreeing the deal.
There are quite a few hurdles in place for NBA players who want to try their hand in Chinese Basketball. The Chinese Basketball Association is reportedly hostile towards a large influx of NBA players into the league and put measure in place in light of the NBA lockout.
The CBA ruled last month that players who sign for a Chinese team will not be allowed to head back to the United States if the NBA lockout ends and the season is salvaged. Even earlier FIBA had ruled that it will only allow contracted NBA players to move overseas for the duration of the lockout if they had get out clauses for the event that the lockout may end.
What that practically means is that no player contracted to an NBA franchise could go and play in China. Chandler however is a unique case. He is an NBA player who played for the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets last season, but he is also a restricted free agent. The Nuggets put forward a qualifying offer worth $3.1 million, but Chandler did not take it up.
He was therefore eligible to go and play in China. His agent revealed that the player will be getting less money than he would have made with the Nuggets, but Chandler wants to play as much basketball as possible which is the Nuggets couldn’t offer because of the NBA lockout.
Chris Luchey also disclosed how Chandler was close to signing a deal with Italian side Olimpia Milano. He also had an offer from another Chinese side. In the end the presence of former NBA coach Jim Cleamons and the prospect of more playing time tilted Luchey’s client in the direction of the Lions.
"The Milan opportunity was real strong," Luchey said. "The negative was he was only going to be able to participate in EuroLeague games. He was looking at one game a week. The purpose is to play; in China he plays three games a week."
One major concern for NBA player’s playing overseas is the danger of getting injured. Michael Beasley, of the Minnesota Timberwolves, reportedly hurt his wrists while on a tour in China just recently. Any such injury for Chandler could mean a lot of time on the sidelines and maybe a smaller contract when he makes his return to the NBA.
Wilson though believes he is covered,
"It's a huge concern," Chandler said. "But as long as I take care of my body, I'll be fine. We've got insurance."
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