By RaptorTalk

There is a lot of conversation about NBA superstars like Lebron James and Kobe Bryant being open to big money offers from European basketball clubs.

Recently, solid NBA players like Josh Childress and Carlos Delfino accepted more money to play in Europe.

While I don't expect a mass exodus of NBA players to Europe, I do think we'll see more guys choosing to play overseas. The stronger Euro coupled with deep-pocketed Euro team owners (who have no salary cap to contend with) will dangle very large money which is greater than the NBA can offer in some instances.

           

Based on the depressed state of the US economy (multi-trillion dollar deficit and hundreds of billions in US currency spent on foreign oil), the Euro will remain stronger for at least a decade or more.

Bottom-line is that 'money talks' and a 3 year, $15 million deal (virtually tax free) can leave a young man set financially for life. So why would he accept say $3 million per year (pre-tax) to stay in America?

Lets assume a player accepted $9 million in the NBA. After tax, assume they're left with $6 million and over the course of the 3 seasons they spent $1 million and don't get another contract. They net $5 million to live on for the rest of their life.

Now you must leave the principal alone and live off interest. Assuming 5% return, that player gets a pay check of $250,000 annually forever.

Under that same scenario in Europe where he was offered $15 million, he would pay virtually no tax and be left with $14 million after spending $1 million.

Now that player would live the rest of his life clipping coupons that pay $700,000 annually forever!

That's a big difference and its one that makes Europe attractive for mid level players and those in the twilight of their careers. Also, it’s a great option for a restricted free agent who is being low balled by his NBA team.

Anthony Parker was on the FAN last week talking about his mega offer from Greece (the money that Childress eventually received). I'll bet AP would have accepted the offer if he could. At his age, the extra millions would help his retirement.

Every dollar counts as you get older. There are many stories of pro athletes who make a few bad investments and suddenly are left with nothing. The extra millions from Europe can provide an important cushion.

Also, NBA agents may very well push their clients towards Europe. In the above stated scenario ($9 million vs. $15 million), the agent stands to earn an additional $120,000 if his client accepted the European offer.

Most NBA players will choose to stay in America, but some may be tempted to cash in big time overseas.

On the other hand, you will always have guys like Will Solomon who turned down $1.7 million tax free in Europe and accepted $711,000 with the Toronto Raptors to prove to themselves, family and friends that they are NBA calibre players. There is something to be said that "I played in the best league in the world"!