Unsurprisingly, Kobe Bryant’s name has started to surface as popular target for teams overseas looking to snag some high-quality talent from the NBA during the lockout. Earlier this morning, reports began to arise that all-star point guard Deron Williams might be on his way to Europe to suit up for Besiktas of Turkey. Now, according to a CBS Sports report, the same Turkish club is looking to bolster their back court even further by possibly signing Bryant as well.
During a Thursday interview with the New York Times, Ergin Ataman, the head coach of Besiktas,confirmed that the club has reached an agreement with Williams and is looking into the possibility of signing Bryant, if he is interested. Ataman told the Times, “If there’s a possibility, we’ll talk with Kobe if he’d like to play in Europe with Deron and with other guys to play we can talk with him. If Kobe would like to play with us, we will also contact his agent and maybe with him.”
Similar to Williams’ reported contract with Besiktas, Bryant would likely have the same contract allowing him to return to the NBA once the lockout is over.