With an NBA lockout upon us players are looking for options of what to do with their time. Many players in the league need to continuing working on their game and keep the bills paid during a work stoppage. Toronto Raptors forward Sonny Weems may be a sign of trend if the lockout is lengthy. Weems has decided to take his talents oversees during the NBA lockout.
From Hoopworld:
Sonny Weems has decided to take advantage of his overseas eligibility and is on the verge of signing a one-year contract with a team in Europe, according sources close to the situation.
The Toronto Raptors extended a qualifying offer to Weems last Monday, which would have made him a restricted free agent. However, Weems felt that signing overseas was the best option for him so that he could continue playing and developing his game during this work stoppage.
Weems’ deal will not have an NBA-out, which means he’ll remain overseas even if a new collective bargaining agreement is ratified.
While other free agents have signed with international teams in recent weeks, Weems is one of the most notable players to ink a deal overseas.
It’s important to note that not just any player can take their talents oversees. Guys in contracts would need to get a letter of clearance stating that they are good to go. But FIBA has a great relationship with the NBA and doesn’t want David Stern showing up at their offices waving the 4-5 because FIBA is taking all its players.
Free agents and rookies can take advantage of their oversees options because they’re not in contracts. Free agents like Nenad Krstic, Hilton Armstrong and David Andersen have already signed with teams oversees. It will be interesting to see how this develops over the next few weeks.
(via Hoopworld)
It will be interesting to see how this unravels over the next few weeks.
