OFFICIAL: Childress Signs With Olympiakos in Greece (Pg. 3)

Kirby · 07-21-2008, 12:50 AM

http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;...yhoo&type=lgns

Quote:

LAS VEGAS – In a potentially stunning move that reflects the growing challenge Europe’s basketball leagues pose to the NBA, Atlanta Hawks free-agent forward Josh Childress is strongly considering a three-year, $20 million offer from Greek powerhouse Olympiakos, several league sources said Sunday night.

Childress flew to Greece late Sunday and is scheduled to meet with Olympiakos officials on Monday. Childress, 25, is so flustered with the Hawks’ refusal to make a sign-and-trade deal to another team, one source familiar with his thinking believes there’s “better than a 50-50 chance” he’ll sign with Olympiakos.

“Unless he just gets there and doesn’t like it at all, I think he’s going to go,” one league source said.

Childress is a restricted free agent, but the Hawks would have no matching rights with a FIBA contract. Olympiakos’ offer also would allow Childress the opportunity to return to the NBA over the next two summers. The Hawks would maintain his restricted free-agent rights provided they make him a qualifying offer.

Childress’ talks with the Hawks have yet to gain traction because Atlanta officials have made it clear their first priority is to resolve negotiations with forward Josh Smith, their other restricted free agent. Privately, Childress has expressed little enthusiasm in returning to play for the organization, sources said.

The Memphis Grizzlies are the only remaining team with enough salary-cap room to make an offer exceeding the $5.6 million mid-level exception, and they so far seem content on saving their money for next summer. Several NBA GMs interested in Childress said they wouldn’t make a mid-level offer to him because they believe the Hawks would match.

Childress’ agent, Lon Babby, has instead looked to Europe to create leverage for his client, a unique approach that would have seemed unlikely as recently as three years ago. The U.S. dollar’s declining value compared to the Euro, coupled with the influx of money from Russian owners into the Euroleague, has now made Europe a much more attractive option for players.

Already this summer, the San Antonio Spurs’ 2007 first-round draft pick, Tiago Splitter, rejected an offer to join the NBA franchise because he can make more money by remaining in Spain. Toronto Raptors free agent Carlos Delfino signed a three-year, $13.5 million deal with Khimiki of Moscow. Juan Carlos Navarro of the Grizzlies returned to Spain for a reported five-year contract with FC Barcelona that could pay more than $20 million.

Even so, Childress, who averaged 11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season, would send far greater waves through the NBA should he leave for the Euroleague. He would be the kind of coveted, young American talent who hadn’t previously left the NBA for Europe. Childress, 6-foot-8, played his college ball at Stanford, and is believed to have the international curiosity and maturity it might take to leave the NBA behind for a year.

If Childress joins Olympiakos then chooses to return to the NBA in either of the next two summers, he’ll likely be entering a more lucrative free-agent market than the current one.

**Ball Don't Lie** · 07-21-2008, 02:20 AM

What the fuck? Stop stealing NBA talent!!!!!

Childress is a fool if he takes this deal, he can make a lot more if he signs a deal for a couple years and then once he hits his prime signs a more than MLE type deal with a team. Going to Europe is just going to ruin his stock if he does choose to come back to the NBA.

Major · 07-21-2008, 09:07 AM

No, not at that ridiculous price. 3-4mil is fine, but he isn't even a full MLE player. 20 million for this guy is RIDICULOUS.

dfunkie1 · 07-21-2008, 09:15 AM

it's not a ridiculous offer at all, it's just over 6 million a season. i'd hand him that in a second.

**INSIDER** · 07-21-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thriller92

What the fuck? Stop stealing NBA talent!!!!!

Childress is a fool if he takes this deal, he can make a lot more if he signs a deal for a couple years and then once he hits his prime signs a more than MLE type deal with a team. Going to Europe is just going to ruin his stock if he does choose to come back to the NBA.

why would he be a fool to take this?
he'd be a fool to not take the time to make proper decision...
thats about 7 million a season... and to live in greece... thats fuckin awesome.
here he gets pushed to the bench as a 6th man... there, he'd be a star.
i dunno man, but he should definitely consider this...

Dr. J. Naismith · 07-21-2008, 09:22 AM

Who cares now .... its not like Childress is destine to be a star in the NBA anytime soon, let alone ever. I think he'd be stupid not to take the money now and run.

**Claudius** · 07-21-2008, 09:26 AM

I'm finding it refreshing than an outside league is posing a challenge to the NBA right now. Maybe the NBA might actually have to do something for once instead of sit happily on their monopoly of the game.

And Childress would be stupid not to take this offer. It would provide a huge opportunity to mature his game and mature as an individual as well.

Snooch · 07-21-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claudius

I'm finding it refreshing than an outside league is posing a challenge to the NBA right now. Maybe the NBA might actually have to do something for once instead of sit happily on their monopoly of the game.

And Childress would be stupid not to take this offer. It would provide a huge opportunity to mature his game and mature as an individual as well.

Not to mention mature his wallet.

And he gets to be around all those fine Greek women...

rapsfan087 · 07-21-2008, 09:32 AM

I disagree with the people who think he doesn't deserve the MLE. Maybe guy isn't a starter ( coach decision) but at the hot games he always plays the meaningfull minutes (always ends the games on the court).

**Adequate Swag** · 07-21-2008, 11:45 AM

Sign this deal Josh.

20 mil tax free? Are you kidding me? Thats ridiculous

He'd be making MLE money at best here, and that gets taxed, and the dollars weaker, and he'd have greater expenses, and his playing time and exposure would be minimal.

Not to mention this might get the NBA up off it's ass by making them realize they no longer have a monopoly on American talent, let alone basketball talent in general.

Kids skipping college to go to Europe + NBA caliber players signing contracts in Europe = Potentially major headaches for the NBA.

**Ball Don't Lie** · 07-21-2008, 12:49 PM

Childress definately deserves MLE type money. He does everything well, shoots a high percentage, and is one of the top rebounders at his position in the league.

The same situation arose with Charlie Bell last year, getting a big offer from one of these teams, he ended up signing an offer sheet with MIA and that got matched by MIL. I expect the same sorta thing to happen here. Childress will get offered MLE type money for more years, and why would he turn that down to play vs college level compettition when hes playing in the best league in the world and making more money? If he waits it out a bit I'm sure a team will offer him the full MLE, hes worth it.

**Acie** · 07-21-2008, 12:50 PM

I like Childress a lot. The Hawks suck.

**Adequate Swag** · 07-21-2008, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thriller92

Childress definately deserves MLE type money. He does everything well, shoots a high percentage, and is one of the top rebounders at his position in the league.

The same situation arose with Charlie Bell last year, getting a big offer from one of these teams, he ended up signing an offer sheet with MIA and that got matched by MIL. I expect the same sorta thing to happen here. Childress will get offered MLE type money for more years, and why would he turn that down to play vs college level compettition when hes playing in the best league in the world and making more money? If he waits it out a bit I'm sure a team will offer him the full MLE, hes worth it.

MLE money is quite a bit less than 7 mil a year tax free.

And Europe is not college level competition.

**INSIDER** · 07-21-2008, 01:03 PM

its just a shame that Childress gets forgotten on that Atlanta squad, because if he were on any other team, he'd be getting a ton of recognition.
he does alot for his team, but is so far under the radar.
i have the feeling he gets forgotten again and signs for cheap (if he stays in the NBA), which is a shame, because he is worth the MLE IMO.

**Ball Don't Lie** · 07-21-2008, 02:13 PM

Quote:

MLE money is quite a bit less than 7 mil a year tax free.

And Europe is not college level competition.

Its certainly nowhere near the NBA. Childress seems like the super compettitive type, I doubt he bolts to Europe to be the man vs much lesser compettition for maybe a million more a year than what he'd get in the NBA not even taking into account what he could get on his 3rd contract.

jumplvlan23 · 07-21-2008, 02:22 PM

These are the type of statements that annoy me:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claudius

I'm finding it refreshing than an outside league is posing a challenge to the NBA right now. Maybe the NBA might actually have to do something for once instead of sit happily on their monopoly of the game.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adequate Swag

Not to mention this might get the NBA up off it's ass by making them realize they no longer have a monopoly on American talent, let alone basketball talent in general.

Kids skipping college to go to Europe + NBA caliber players signing contracts in Europe = Potentially major headaches for the NBA.

It's laughable that people criticize this league so much, yet they still enjoy it and watch it.

"It's refreshing that an outside league is posing a challenge to the NBA right now." If you were a fan of the NBA, you would not consider this "refreshing." Instead, you would be disappointed that in the near future, you will not be able to see the best talent in the world play against each other in one league. You would be worried for the league, because this is a league that you love. It is the NBA, which some of us have followed for so long, and to even consider NBA talent leaving the NBA "refreshing" is questionable.

"Maybe the NBA might actually have to do something for once instead of sit happily on their monopoly of the game.Not to mention this might get the NBA up off it's ass by making them realize they no longer have a monopoly on American talent, let alone basketball talent in general."

Maybe the NBA might actually have to do something for once? Tell me this a joke... They have expanded the game globally, getting many countries interested in the sport of basketball. They have so many international players, and the number keeps growing. Billions around the world watch it. What possibly can the NBA do more to solidify its position in the basketball world? It has done SO MUCH to make their game a global game!

Why don't you guys tell me... what the NBA should do to erase your image of them doing "absolutely nothing" and them "sitting happily on their asses".

And don't bring up the "game-fixing" allegations because frankly, there is no evidence to prove it or refute it. Besides, every single professional league goes through allegations such as these so don't make it seem like the NBA is the only one. Besides, that has nothing to do with the NBA doing nothing about it's monopoly on basketball talent.

Snooch · 07-21-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thriller92

Its certainly nowhere near the NBA. Childress seems like the super compettitive type, I doubt he bolts to Europe to be the man vs much lesser compettition for maybe a million more a year than what he'd get in the NBA not even taking into account what he could get on his 3rd contract.

The MLE is worth 5.75 million, taxable.

This offer is for 7 million, tax free, given a house, given a car and be a superstar in the league......

Id be going over awful quick.

**Claudius** · 07-21-2008, 02:41 PM

Jump, I'm not a fan of the NBA. I'm a fan of an NBA franchise. Does that make me a fan of the NBA by proxy? Maybe...maybe not. Depends on your perspective. But I know myself and I know that I truly detest the NBA entity as it exists right now.

My problem is simple: The league as it exists right now has flaws. Examine the salary cap. It's a nice cap and I advocate for caps; however, completing a trade or signing anyone to a salary has become ridiculous.

Secondly, and more importantly, is the type of basketball it has promoted since Stern regime has entered the league. One could accurately argue that the league during his reign has moved from a team concept to an individualistic concept. Look at the MJ era shall you? Many will argue the worst basketball was actually played during that era, even though arguably one of the all time best performers was alive. And do you not think the NBA and it's marketing machine were not all over that? How many times do you hear about superstar calls? Do you not see that as a problem?

Jump if YOU were a fan of the NBA you would LOVE to see the NBA have some competition. The NBA is not perfect but they have never been forced to fix any of their problems, because they never faced any competition. Now they have some competition, potentially, and may have to make adjustments. But somehow this is a bad thing? And there is plenty of evidence on the "game-fixing" allegation jump, but ignorance is bliss right? And even if "every" league has these problems, should they not be corrected so that they don't occur a second time?

But I forgot, let's consume everything that is fed our way, that way we can make an informed decision. I must have forgot.

Really though, jump, you can be a fan of the NBA, I'll be a fan of basketball.

**Claudius** · 07-21-2008, 02:41 PM

Oh and before I forgot, yes, they have made it global, well check that, the brand is global, the game itself is not.

Snooch · 07-21-2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Claudius

Jump, I'm not a fan of the NBA. I'm a fan of an NBA franchise. Does that make me a fan of the NBA by proxy? Maybe...maybe not. Depends on your perspective. But I know myself and I know that I truly detest the NBA entity as it exists right now.

My problem is simple: The league as it exists right now has flaws. Examine the salary cap. It's a nice cap and I advocate for caps; however, completing a trade or signing anyone to a salary has become ridiculous.

Secondly, and more importantly, is the type of basketball it has promoted since Stern regime has entered the league. One could accurately argue that the league during his reign has moved from a team concept to an individualistic concept. Look at the MJ era shall you? Many will argue the worst basketball was actually played during that era, even though arguably one of the all time best performers was alive. And do you not think the NBA and it's marketing machine were not all over that? How many times do you hear about superstar calls? Do you not see that as a problem?

Jump if YOU were a fan of the NBA you would LOVE to see the NBA have some competition. The NBA is not perfect but they have never been forced to fix any of their problems, because they never faced any competition. Now they have some competition, potentially, and may have to make adjustments. But somehow this is a bad thing? And there is plenty of evidence on the "game-fixing" allegation jump, but ignorance is bliss right? And even if "every" league has these problems, should they not be corrected so that they don't occur a second time?

But I forgot, let's consume everything that is fed our way, that way we can make an informed decision. I must have forgot.

Really though, jump, you can be a fan of the NBA, I'll be a fan of basketball.

Well said

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07-21-2008, 02:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ball Don't Lie is praying Drummond doesnt haunt us forever. Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8,849 Representing:	What the fuck? Stop stealing NBA talent!!!!! Childress is a fool if he takes this deal, he can make a lot more if he signs a deal for a couple years and then once he hits his prime signs a more than MLE type deal with a team. Going to Europe is just going to ruin his stock if he does choose to come back to the NBA.

07-21-2008, 09:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
Major is pounding the rock! Senior Member, Eh? Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,606 Representing:	No, not at that ridiculous price. 3-4mil is fine, but he isn't even a full MLE player. 20 million for this guy is RIDICULOUS.

07-21-2008, 09:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
dfunkie1 is pounding ur mom Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5,464 Representing:	it's not a ridiculous offer at all, it's just over 6 million a season. i'd hand him that in a second.

07-21-2008, 09:22 AM	#6 (permalink)
Dr. J. Naismith is convinced that Raptors fans are only happy when they're unhappy. Retired Administrator Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Almonte Posts: 10,251 Representing:	Who cares now .... its not like Childress is destine to be a star in the NBA anytime soon, let alone ever. I think he'd be stupid not to take the money now and run.

07-21-2008, 09:26 AM	#7 (permalink)
Claudius is contemplating The Killing Joke Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Burkina Faso, Disputed Zone Posts: 9,592 Representing:	I'm finding it refreshing than an outside league is posing a challenge to the NBA right now. Maybe the NBA might actually have to do something for once instead of sit happily on their monopoly of the game. And Childress would be stupid not to take this offer. It would provide a huge opportunity to mature his game and mature as an individual as well.

07-21-2008, 09:32 AM	#9 (permalink)
rapsfan087 is pounding the rock! Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 814 Representing:	I disagree with the people who think he doesn't deserve the MLE. Maybe guy isn't a starter ( coach decision) but at the hot games he always plays the meaningfull minutes (always ends the games on the court).

07-21-2008, 11:45 AM	#10 (permalink)
Adequate Swag is pounding the rock! RF Affiliate Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 513 Representing:	Sign this deal Josh. 20 mil tax free? Are you kidding me? Thats *ridiculous* He'd be making MLE money at best here, and that gets taxed, and the dollars weaker, and he'd have greater expenses, and his playing time and exposure would be minimal. Not to mention this might get the NBA up off it's ass by making them realize they no longer have a monopoly on American talent, let alone basketball talent in general. Kids skipping college to go to Europe + NBA caliber players signing contracts in Europe = Potentially major headaches for the NBA.

07-21-2008, 12:49 PM	#11 (permalink)
Ball Don't Lie is praying Drummond doesnt haunt us forever. Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 8,849 Representing:	Childress definately deserves MLE type money. He does everything well, shoots a high percentage, and is one of the top rebounders at his position in the league. The same situation arose with Charlie Bell last year, getting a big offer from one of these teams, he ended up signing an offer sheet with MIA and that got matched by MIL. I expect the same sorta thing to happen here. Childress will get offered MLE type money for more years, and why would he turn that down to play vs college level compettition when hes playing in the best league in the world and making more money? If he waits it out a bit I'm sure a team will offer him the full MLE, hes worth it.

07-21-2008, 12:50 PM	#12 (permalink)
Acie is landry fields forever Administrator Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Living in a van down by the river Posts: 20,421 Representing:	I like Childress a lot. The Hawks suck.

07-21-2008, 01:03 PM	#14 (permalink)
INSIDER is craving boobies never too old. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: richmond hill Posts: 11,129 Representing:	its just a shame that Childress gets forgotten on that Atlanta squad, because if he were on any other team, he'd be getting a ton of recognition. he does alot for his team, but is so far under the radar. i have the feeling he gets forgotten again and signs for cheap (if he stays in the NBA), which is a shame, because he is worth the MLE IMO.

07-21-2008, 02:41 PM	#18 (permalink)
Claudius is contemplating The Killing Joke Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Burkina Faso, Disputed Zone Posts: 9,592 Representing:	Jump, I'm not a fan of the NBA. I'm a fan of an NBA franchise. Does that make me a fan of the NBA by proxy? Maybe...maybe not. Depends on your perspective. But I know myself and I know that I truly detest the NBA entity as it exists right now. My problem is simple: The league as it exists right now has flaws. Examine the salary cap. It's a nice cap and I advocate for caps; however, completing a trade or signing anyone to a salary has become ridiculous. Secondly, and more importantly, is the type of basketball it has promoted since Stern regime has entered the league. One could accurately argue that the league during his reign has moved from a team concept to an individualistic concept. Look at the MJ era shall you? Many will argue the worst basketball was actually played during that era, even though arguably one of the all time best performers was alive. And do you not think the NBA and it's marketing machine were not all over that? How many times do you hear about superstar calls? Do you not see that as a problem? Jump if YOU were a fan of the NBA you would LOVE to see the NBA have some competition. The NBA is not perfect but they have never been forced to fix any of their problems, because they never faced any competition. Now they have some competition, potentially, and may have to make adjustments. But somehow this is a bad thing? And there is plenty of evidence on the "game-fixing" allegation jump, but ignorance is bliss right? And even if "every" league has these problems, should they not be corrected so that they don't occur a second time? But I forgot, let's consume everything that is fed our way, that way we can make an informed decision. I must have forgot. Really though, jump, you can be a fan of the NBA, I'll be a fan of basketball.

07-21-2008, 02:41 PM	#19 (permalink)
Claudius is contemplating The Killing Joke Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Burkina Faso, Disputed Zone Posts: 9,592 Representing:	Oh and before I forgot, yes, they have made it global, well check that, the brand is global, the game itself is not.