If NBA stars are serious about playing overseas, basketball's governing body says they will be welcomed — just as long as they promise to leave once the lockout ends.
FIBA has announced it would clear NBA players under contract to play in its leagues during the work stoppage, provided the deals they sign come with opt-out clauses.
In a ruling that paves the way for players to earn a paycheck, FIBA agreed with NBA and players' association officials that players are free to sign anywhere but do so at their own risk of injury.
Playing overseas has emerged as an option for NBA players during a work stoppage that threatens to last months and could even wipe out the entire season.
Nets All-Star guard Deron Williams has a deal with Turkish club Besiktas — which is also courting Kobe Bryant — and most top players said they would consider playing overseas.
Union executive director Billy Hunter has endorsed the idea, with players believing it will pressure owners at the bargaining table if they see their players have options elsewhere. And FIBA didn't want to be facing a legal challenge.
If a player under NBA contract agrees to a deal in a FIBA-affiliated league, he first must be cleared to go by the NBA. The league will allow partial clearance, meaning it must be guaranteed the player returns to his NBA team once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.
There is still plenty of doubt that top players will head to Europe or Asia, especiallly if their NBA teams could void their contracts if they are significantly injured playing in another league.
Still, scoring champion Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City said Thursday he was "about 50-50" on the idea, while Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul both said they would consider playing in China.