Denver Nuggets: Why Wilson Chandler Signing with China Is a Mistake

Earlier today, ESPN reported that Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler has signed with Zhejiang Guangsha (Lions) of the Chinese Basketball Association.

Earlier this month, the Chinese Basketball Association banned NBA players who are under contract for the 2011-2012 season to prevent NBA players from abandoning their teams if the lockout comes to an end. The only NBA players who could now play in China are those who sign a full one-year contract with no "out clause."

Chandler enjoyed his best statistical season in the league last year, averaging 15.3 points per game and just under six rebounds. Chandler is only 24 years of age and had just completed the last season of his "rookie contract," making him a restricted free agent for the first time in his career.

Details of Chandler's contract in China were not fully disclosed, but Chandler's agent, Chris Luchey, confirmed it was under the $3.1 million qualifying offer the Nuggets had extended to Chandler in June.

Why Chandler chose to head overseas is quite the puzzling move (to say the least) since he will be the best small forward free agent available this offseason. Jeff Green, Caron Butler and Thadeus Young are the only free agents who could be mentioned in the same conversation as Chandler, but Chandler's age, versatility and skill put him above the rest.

Next year's free agency class (2012) will feature a handful of talented forwards, such as Gerald Wallace, Micheal Beasley, Nicholas Batum and Antawn Jamison, which could mean less suitors for Chandler.

The next CBA will likely reduce Chandler's chances of getting around $10 million per year, but regardless of what is finally agreed upon, a talented player like Chandler would surely be signed for more than $6-7 million per year.

That's more than double what he will make in China next season.

Many feel the lockout will shorten the season to around 50 games, but even if that were the case, Chandler would still make more playing on an NBA squad.

It's a big risk, but there are some positives to the move.

Perhaps being the first big-name free agent to head overseas ensures he'll get the largest contract available in China before/if other players start looking for deals there too.

China also offers Chandler the opportunity to stay sharp while marketing himself. Who knows, what if he just wants to experience a new culture and enjoy what China has to offer? If there really is a full-season lockout, then Chandler's move will be great for him.

Overall, we'll never know whether or not Wilson Chandler's decision is a mistake until we see the results of this lockout, but hopefully if there is a season, Chandler will be able to come back sometime in April to help a team win a championship. As of right now, it seems Chandler has put millions of dollars at stake, and it could hurt him—and his wallet—in the long-run.

But even if it doesn't, it hurts to know we're not going to see one of our favorite players next year.

What do you think? Did Chandler act too soon, or was this a great way for him to secure a paycheck for next season?

Leave a comment and let us know, thanks!