The NBA caused an issue for a lot of players, most notably for those that signed contracts with Chinese teams. Many of the players signed contracts that stated they must complete a full season with their Chinese teams and cannot return to the NBA without clearance. Teams that allow players to leave could face forfeiture of games:
“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.”
As a member of FIBA, the NBA needs a letter of clearance from Chinese teams to allow players to sign NBA deals. Chinese teams could face forfeiture of any games that NBA players participated in, if the players somehow end up back in the NBA before the Chinese season ends. Source
I was all for players playing overseas when it looked like the NBA season was in jeopardy. However, the top players should have made sure the out clause was written in such a way that it would not be detrimental for themselves and the teams they signed with.
For the players that were on the bubble with their perspective teams, this may not be an issue. After all, why pass on a guaranteed paycheck just to get cut in the NBA. I would have opted for an extended vacation in Costa Rica rather than play in China…but that’s me.
