Snubbing the U.S. for zeros and gyros

Pro sports superagent Lon Babby has carved out a reliable niche in our Williams & Connolly profiles for his diplomatic efforts to keep such talent as Tim Duncan and Chris Young grinning over their green (though we’re positive Babby doesn’t want his cash cows in this predicament).  Babby’s latest move, though, has NBA GMs trembling over something far more ominous than a blustery holdout threat: Budding Atlanta Hawks wingman (and Oscar Gamble progeny) Josh Childress became the first legitimate NBA player to bolt for Europe after Greece’s Olympiakos CFP threw $20 million and three years at him, with housing, transportation and an annual opt-out option tossed in for good measure.  Babby and fellow W&C partner Jim Tanner reportedly looked Across the Pond when Atlanta wouldn’t sweeten its initial offer of a tad less than $6 million per year.  Childress can now prepare for his king’s welcome as the centerpiece of one of Greece’s premier teams, while the Hawks are left wondering how they let their former sixth man pull a reverse Beckham—and if this is indicative of things to come.  More perspective on the deal’s potential ramifications here (published pre-signing).

                                                                        -posted by ben