Talks with Andrew Bogut are on hold for three anxious NBL clubs as world body FIBA works out an insurance policy to cover the NBA's superstars during the American lockout.
Gold Coast Blaze, Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers had hoped to up the ante in their talks with the Milwaukee Bucks centre this week in a bid to seal "the most significant signing in the history of the league".
However, discussions are in limbo until FIBA finds a policy that suits about 60 NBA players - including Bogut - seeking to insure their multi-million dollar contracts so they can play outside the United States.
Considered the favourite to snap up Bogut's signature, Blaze boss Paul Pamenter said talks with the Boomers centre were in a "holding pattern".
"It is bigger than just Andrew globally," he said.
"There are 60 or 70 guys on contracts valued up to $100 million now who are trying to get themselves around the world while this lockout drags on.
"It is a bit of an unknown at the moment.
"(But) we are quietly confident."
Bogut's agent Bruce Kaider of One Management Group said talks would not resume until he had insurance details to share.
Kaider tweeted this week: "The process for securing insurance for AndrewMBogut is not being drawn out.
"We are wanting to resolve as soon as practically possible."
Bogut tweeted on the same day: "I'm not trying to drag this NBL decision out but fiba has had the euro champs on so getting an insurance proposal has proven tough...."
NBL clubs are already cranking up their 2011-12 countdown in this week's preseason Sunshine State Challenge tournament in south-east Queensland.
Kings coach Ian Robilliard said he hoped a decision on Bogut would be made sooner rather than later in order to finalise his season plans.
"It would be the most significant signing in the history of the league," he said when asked about Bogut.
"He would fit into our system very well, but we would have to adjust our roster to permit that - that might be a distraction.
"But I think the guys are professional enough to know that it would be for the greater purpose of what Andrew would do for not only the Kings but the league.
"We had a discussion with the leadership group when the name Bogut first came up.
"We understand the significance of his potential signing but we are trying to get on with business."
AAP
Tags: nbl, basketball, sport, broadbeach-4218, qld, australia First posted September 23, 2011 18:12:49
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