Cleveland Cavaliers’ Omri Casspi is reported to be strongly interested in playing for San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker’s French club ASVEL during the NBA lockout according to ESPN.
Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com on Monday that Casspi is giving strong consideration to signing with ASVEL in France’s top division.
As for the prospect of Casspi ultimately winding up alongside Parker in the French League, one source close to the situation said it really “might happen.”
For those who do not know, Parker serves as VP of basketball operations and is part owner of ASVEL. Furthermore, Parker has stated there is a chance he would play for his own team should the lockout eat into the upcoming season and France being the only destination for Parker should he head overseas.
If so, should Parker and Casspi team up, it could make ASVEL an attractive destination for any other NBA players considering playing overseas during the lockout. Also, with Parker as part owner, he would undoubtedly be likely to give NBA players an out-clause to head back to the NBA once the lockout is over.
However, other teams are courting Casspi such as teams in Russia and Spain according to the report.
Casspi was been on the Spurs’ radar for a long time. San Antonio inquired about the availability of Casspi before the lockout began and his name was mentioned in trade rumors involving Parker when Casspi was a member of the Kings.
