Quick question about the Nuggets in China

[theswitch]

Since the ex-Nuggets players who are in China currently can't come back over until March, are they allowed to sign with any team at that point? Sure, it's late, but what team wouldn't give minimum deals to Kenyon Martin, Wilson Chandler and JR Smith to create a terrific bench? Yeah, you'd have to get rid of a couple guys, but adding two or three guys who are familiar with each other, productive and in basketball shape seems like it could completely change the playoff landscape in March.

Imagine the Celtics or Heat picking up Martin and Chandler for their bench for minimum deals, which is all they would really get at that point - that takes a team over the top. I was just hoping for some clarification about how that will work when they're free to come play in the US again.

[heitingas]

They could sign with NBA teams but not come over until their league finishes, I think because NBA is not FIBA.

[fairweatherfan]

Here's my question - what happens if they just say "screw your contract, keep your paychecks, we're out"?  Are Chinese contracts really binding in an American league? 

[CelticHooligan3]

I could be wrong but didnt JR go down with an ankle injury his first game over there or something? He's a bit of a nut anyways.

Personally id rather have Chandler. Way more versatile, could fit into the team well, play different roles, better defense then JR and not a headcase.

[Who]

Here's my question - what happens if they just say "screw your contract, keep your paychecks, we're out"?  Are Chinese contracts really binding in an American league? 

Yes, they are binding by FIBA. They must honour contracts signed in any league.

I am pretty sure the NBA signed an agreement with FIBA many years to agree to mutually respect one another's contracts.

Yahoo Sports had a column on the China-Nuggets situation the other day, here are some quotes:

The Chinese Basketball Association is showing no inclination to let unhappy NBA players out of their contracts for the 2011-12 season, and will likely mandate they not receive clearance letters to return to the NBA until the Chinese season ends in March, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Team officials have prepared for the possibility some players could try to force their way out of deals, but their contracts give teams the latitude to fine and suspend players without pay.

“They can play, get paid [in China] and return to the NBA in March,” one Chinese team official said. “Or they can not get paid, and return to the NBA in March.”

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-wojnarowski_china_nba_players_112811

[BballTim]

 Doesn't it matter if they were restricted or unrestricted? Isn't this like Josh Childress, where (I believe) Atlanta kept his rights?

[Who]

Wilson Chandler will remain a restricted free agent. It'll be impossible to pick him up late in the season. Denver will match any offer at or below the full MLE.

It's been reported that the Nuggets don't have any interest in bringing back Kenyon Martin or JR Smith. So both of those players should be readily available.

I imagine that JR Smith will go to whatever team kept their MLE or has cap space ... and/or offers him a starting role where he can shoot the ball a lot. In other words, unlikely to be Boston in each case (C's want to spend MLE in off-season on a big man + lack minutes/shots on the wing).

Kenyon Martin looks a legitimate target though. Likely wait until the summer to receive better long term contracts (last big deal). Has made a lot of money already. So probably a minimum contract for three months. Money unlikely to be an obstacle. Martin is also likely to prioritize playing on a winning team that has a chance at a Championship. Very much a realistic target.

[Roy H.]

Doesn't it matter if they were restricted or unrestricted? Isn't this like Josh Childress, where (I believe) Atlanta kept his rights?

Yes.  Chandler is restricted, and he'll be restricted when he comes back.  The interesting issue will be what type of contract offer he gets, since he won't be allowed to take a qualifying offer when he gets back.