We all knew it was only a matter of time after the NBA players union chose to decertify that NBA players would begin to one by one start seeking basketball employment elsewhere. After a few days of rumors that Deron Williams team Besiktas in Turkey was looking for a big man to pair with the NBA point guard, it seems the Turkish team has found their man. LA Lakers star Lamar Odom has agreed in principle with Besiktas on a multi-million dollar contract. Don’t fear Lakers fans, he was smart enough to work in an NBA out-clause in case the lockout miraculously ends in time to salvage a season:
Final details will not be sorted out before Friday, sources said, but Odom has indicated that he plans to join the Istanbul-based team as early as next week if the NBA lockout continues.
Sources told ESPN.com that the deal would pay Odom in excess of $2 million if he spends the rest of the season with Besiktas. The deal — first reported in Turkey by NTV Spor and local journalist Mete Aktas — will include an opt-out clause to return to the NBA as soon as the lockout ends, same as in Williams’ contract.
After Minnesota’s Kevin Love turned down the chance last weekend to take a similar deal to play alongside Williams, ESPN.com reported late Tuesday that Odom was the new target. Besiktas has been trying for days to acquire a top-flight big man to pair with Williams, who erupted for 50 points Tuesday in a EuroChallenge game against Gottingen of Germany. (Via ESPN)
