Beijing, China – NBA players under contract will not be allowed to play in the Chinese Basketball Association, according to a Friday report from China state media.
The NBA lockout, which began July 1, has prompted multiple players to sign contracts with teams in foreign leagues. But many of those contracts contain opt-out clauses allowing players to return to the NBA in the event the lockout ends.
However, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has placed restrictions on who can play in its league during the upcoming season, which begins November 20.
Bai Xilin, director of the CBA league office, is quoted in the story as saying the league welcomes NBA free agents to play "at least a full season."
The story also said the CBA will make adjustments to contracts to prevent foreign players from leaving "with excuses like fake injuries or family problems."
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