Nuggets clinch Chandler for five years

19 March 2012 07:55

The Denver Nuggets have re-signed Wilson Chandler on a five-year deal from Zhejiang Guangsha Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association.

Chandler, 24, opted to play for the Lions during the NBA lockout, but has been permitted to rejoin Denver by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and his Chinese club.

The small forward has reportedly signed a contract for the remainder of the 2012 season and the next four campaigns, believed to be worth up to US$37 million.

"It is great to have Wilson back on our roster," Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri said.

"It was a very unique situation signing a talented free agent in the middle of the season, and we worked extremely hard to find an agreement that was best for everyone."

"Wilson will be an excellent addition for the rest of this season and for years to come."

Chandler averaged 12.5 points for the Nuggets last season, after arriving at the franchise in a mid-season trade from the New York Knicks, one which saw Carmelo Anthony head in the opposite direction.

Chandler's status as a restricted free agent complicated his return to the NBA.

He left China in December and first had to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, before Denver could reacquire his services by matching the Clippers' offer.

The contract negotiations were also conducted under the NBA's relatively new collective bargaining agreement.

Denver are seventh in the Western Conference, with 20 matches of the regular season remaining.