China to restrict NBA player moves

SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The Chinese Basketball Association is banning the signing of players who are under NBA contract -- even during a lockout by the U.S. league's team owners.

Several NBA players have agreed to play in leagues in other countries until NBA labor issues are decided. The agreements generally allow players to leave their new teams, even in mid-season, and return to the NBA.

The Chinese Basketball Association ruled Friday there would be restrictions on such player signings.

CBA Director Bai Xilin, in a report by China's official Xinhua news agency, said NBA free agents would be welcomed by the Chinese league if they agree to play "at least a full season."

The league also said it would adjust contracts to prevent foreign players from leaving "with excuses like fake injuries or family problems."

CBA member Shanxi Zhongyu had said it would offer Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant a contract if the CBA allowed NBA players to play in China without restrictions. Earlier in the week, Yahoo! Sports reported that a Chinese team offered Bryant a contract worth $1.5 million a month.

Chinese Basketball Association play begins Nov. 20.