The NBA lockout is something that many are peeved about, everyone except perhaps some European teams which have netted three NBA players in Darius Songaila (Philadelphia 76ers), Deron Williams (New Jersey Nets) and Sonny Weems (Toronto Raptors). And from the looks of it, more may be expected to follow.

With the NBA season still up in the air, some NBA players need to keep themselves in shape and of course financially supported. The NBA lockout prohibits teams and players from conversing and transacting and is overall a “No Work” situation.

New Jersey Net Deron Williams was the first to hit the news, reportedly being offered by Besiktas a deal worth around $5 million to play for the ballclub for just one year. Included in the contract is a clause for Williams to return to his NBA team should the NBA lockout finally end.

But according to Williams, the NBA lockout may take some time to be settled. The situation is pretty much at a standstill with financial discrepancies being among the issues for the inability of the NBA Players Association, the NBA and teams to strike an amicable settlement.

Another player that has been signed up to play in Europe is Songaila who has been signed to play a one year deal for Galatasaray. Unlike William’s however, Songaila is committed to play for the team regardless if the NBA lockout ends.

Songaila, who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, may apparently find better playing opportunities in Europe. He has found it difficult to crack into the rotation of the Sixer’s youthful frontline and made only 10 appearances last season.

Sonny Weems of the Toronto Raptors has also be contracted to play for Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania, a contract that is similar to that of Songaila meaning he will be tied up in Europe even if the lockout ends.

The first NBA player who was actually offered to play in Europe was Dallas Maverick Rudy Fernandez. After being acquired by the Mavs from the Portland Trailblazers, Fernandez was offered a lucrative contract by Real Madrid which would have made him the highest paid player in the European league. Fernandez declined the offer.

Other players being eyed by European league owners include NBA stars Kobe Bryant (who is set to invade Manila on July 13,2011), Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.

With the NBA lockout, Williams believes that more players may be looking into the possibility of playing abroad until everything is settled. And of course, you can bet that the teams eyeing these players may want to include that clause which allows the NBA players to return to their mother NBA teams, if and when the NBA lockout finally ends.

Source: ESPN