NBA Rumors: Kobe Bryant and 5 Stars Close to Landing Overseas
The rumor-mill has been relatively quiet.
However, these five big names have either recently shown interest in playing for foreign clubs, or foreign clubs have recently shown interest in hiring them during the lockout.
There have been significant questions regarding these foreign clubs to sign these players, either due to insurance policies or league rules against rental players.
However, there is still a legitimate chance that all these guys take their talents across the ocean, Atlantic or Pacific.
5. Carlos Boozer, Chicago Bulls
1 of 5While a specific team or country is still up in the air, Carlos Boozer seems poised to leave America during the lockout.
Boozer told ESPN the Magazine that he, “definitely plans on playing overseas,” citing the positive experience he had during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
A source reportedly indicated that Boozer’s reference to the Beijing Olympics suggests a desire to play in China.
4. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
2 of 5The Zhejiang Lions have reportedly offered Dirk Nowitzki $1.5 million per month to play in China.
Dirk could easily turn down the deal as he seems to be focused on the German National team and the European Championship as well as the 2012 Olympics.
For all players going to China, the state issued ban will likely be exercised to block incoming players. The league has said they have no interest in renting players.
In spite of this hurdle, there is a chance that they could review their current stance in favor of the buzz and economic boost that guys like Dirk would generate.
3. Ron Artest, Los Angeles Lakers
3 of 5Ron Artest has already said that he’s going to play for the English club, the Cheshire Jets. Both parties have agreed on the major parameters of a deal.
The only hang-up right now is an insurance policy protecting Artest’s current contract with the Lakers.
The Jets likely won’t rest until they can find a way to afford the insurance. They recognize the benefits that would come with bringing the controversial NBA star to their small market team.
Until then, Artest remains in America.
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
4 of 5Kevin Durant’s agent is currently in talks that would send Kevin Durant to Russia.
CSKA Moscow has won the EuroLeague two out of the last four seasons. They’re a basketball powerhouse in Europe and one of the few teams with enough money to bring a guy like Durant overseas.
The discussions currently suggest a contract that would pay Durant a million dollars a month. An opt-out clause for the NBA would also be included.
It’ll be interesting to see if this deal gets done, as it could open the floodgates for bigger names moving to the EuroLeague.
Thus far, Jordan Farmar is the only other NBA guy to do so. Durant says he’ll make his decision by October 1st.
1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
5 of 5The same ban that would prevent Nowitzki from netting $1.5 million dollars a month is also likely to prevent Kobe Bryant from playing in China.
If some defiant Chinese clubs recognize the potential of Bryant in their facilities, then there is a chance that things could change.
If this ban is lifted, it is almost certain that Bryant would head to China.
If not, there have been reports of Bryant’s agent discussing Kobe joining the Nets Deron Williams with the Turkish club Besiktas.
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