ESPN.com reports that Turkish club Besiktas has agreed to a deal with Odom after reportedly being close to signing Lopez. Besiktas can sign only one more foreign player besides New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams, who inked a deal early in the NBA lockout.
Odom, who has played the past seven seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, will likely work out the final details on Friday. It’s also been reported that Odom plans to join the Istanbul-based team as early as next week, if the NBA lockout continues.
ESPN.com reports the deal is in excess of $2 million if he spends the rest of the season with the team. NTV Spor in Turkey is reporting the contract contains an opt-out clause that would allow Odom to return to the NBA as soon as the lockout ends.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love turned down a deal with Besiktas earlier this week. Chicago Bulls forwards Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer were also reportedly courted by Besiktas along with Denver Nuggets big man Nene and Phoenix Suns center Marcin Gortat. The team has been looking for a big man ever since center Semih Erden went down with a thumb injury earlier in the week.
Turkish journalist Mete Aktas reported that Besiktas preferred Odom even though Lopez, a teammate of Williams in New Jersey, is a more traditional center. Odom averaged 14.4 points and 8.6 rebounds last season with the Lakers.