Nuggets guard Smith signs with Chinese tea

DENVER: JR Smith signed a one-year deal with China's Zhejiang Whirlwinds on Wednesday, making certain that he plays next season no matter how the NBA lockout turns out. The Chinese Basketball Association has told players they will not be able to opt out of their contracts and return to the NBA this season if the stalemate ends and a settlement is reached allowing for a 2011-2012 NBA season to begin. 


China's season runs from October to February with the playoffs ending in mid-March, about a month before the start of the NBA season, so Smith and other players could return as free agents and join clubs late next season.