Yi Jianlian Finally Signs With the Bucks

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.

[...] "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.

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.

Previously on FanHouse:
Chinese Paper Says Guandong Will Prevent Yi From Joining Milwaukee
Yi Jianlian Cannot Hear You, Milwaukee

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-29-2007 @ 8:14AM

T said...

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.

8-29-2007 @ 4:16PM

Frank said...

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.

8-29-2007 @ 10:36PM

George B Vieto said...

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.