Milwaukee's long, international nightmare is over: Yi Jianlian ended his standoff with the Bucks and signed his rookie contract. From the team's press release:The Bucks 6th overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft, Yi Jianlian signed his contract in Hong Kong following a negotiating session with Mr. Chen Haitao, owner of the Guangdong Tigers. Bucks owner and team president Senator Herb Kohl, General Manager Larry Harris and Bucks Vice President Ron Walter were able to meet with Mr. Chen, as well as Yi and his family, as part of the process.I'm curious to find out what exactly transpired to make the deal happen -- NBA rookie contracts are traditionally cookie-cutter affairs considering the salaries are almost entirely determined by the draft slot. Did the Bucks agree to make some sort of payment to Yi's former team? (Would such a tactic even be allowed under NBA rules?) Or did Yi's camp simply need personal assurances that Milwaukee was committed to making Yi's life comfortable and showcasing him in a featured role? I have no clue, but I'm guessing we'll find out the answer sometime in the near future.
[...] "There has been a genuine excitement throughout our city and state, as well as internationally, following our selection of Yi in the NBA Draft," said Senator Herb Kohl. "We all anticipate Yi's arrival and welcome him and his family to Milwaukee. We look forward to a successful relationship for many years to come."
"We would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge and thank Mr. Chen for his assistance and support in the negotiating process," Kohl added.
Previously on FanHouse:
Chinese Paper Says Guandong Will Prevent Yi From Joining Milwaukee
Yi Jianlian Cannot Hear You, Milwaukee
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. NBA Teams can make a one time payment of 200k to an international player's old team. But even that is pretty cookie cutter/standard.
Posted at 8:14AM on Aug 29th 2007 by T
2. The CBA actually allows for a maximum $500k buyout; the Bucks refused to comment what they may or may not have paid but reading between the lines it would appear they stumped up that amount.
Any additional buyout amount would hypothetically have to be paid by the player, but Yi's situation is a little complicated because his club team is effectively acting as his agent along with Dan Fegan. So while Yi might not be paying a buyout per se, his club team will be getting a substantial amount of money from him in the coming years.
Posted at 4:16PM on Aug 29th 2007 by Frank
3. The Milwaukee Bucks must have done some arm twisting to get Yi Jianlian to play for the Bucks after Yi originally said no. The Bucks management must be genuisies to get Yi.
Posted at 10:36PM on Aug 29th 2007 by George B Vieto
4. it is hard to predict how much and how great he will play. one thing sure is that his first impressions on the court will play a huge role.
Posted at 2:55PM on Sep 4th 2007 by songs music