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Patty Mills heads for China

Roar Rookie
20th November, 2011
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Roar Rookie
20th November, 2011
2

Australian Boomers point guard Patty Mills has announced that he will be terminating his contract with the Melbourne Tigers of the Australian NBL, and instead taking a lucrative offer in China.

Despite leading the league in points per game (18.6) in nine appearances for the Tigers, the lure of a pay increase was too much to refuse.

Mills said via Twitter, “Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you all know that I got an unbelievable opportunity to play in China”

He went on to thank those involved in his Tigers experience.

“Just want to thank all the basketball fans in Australia for their support while I’ve been here. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!”

“I want to thank everyone involved with the Tigers including my teammates, the ownership & all you fans for making this an awesome experience. I certainly look forward to supporting the team from China over the coming months. Keep the hard work up!”

The news comes on the back of recent developments with the NBA lockout, after the players union disbanded last week, and hope of a 2011-12 season slowly fades.

Without out an opportunity to re-sign with the Portland Trailblazers this season (in the range of $600k AUD), the 23 year old St Mary’s graduate went in search of a similar contract elsewhere.

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As with all Chinese Basketball Association contracts, the deal will be in place for the entire season, regardless of the outcome of the NBA lockout, meaning Mills won’t have a chance to re-sign in the U.S. until free agency in July next year.

Meanwhile the Melbourne Tigers will be in search for a replacement player, with considerable salary cap and Player Points room now available.

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