Report: Jerrelle Benimon to spurn Cavs' camp invite, sign in China
The chance to impress LeBron James in training camp may not be enticing enough to forgo a substantial guaranteed salary.
Jerrelle Benimon has decided not to attend training camp on a fully non-guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to a report from Sportando. Instead, he'll sign with the Foshan Long Lions of the Chinese league, earning him close to $500,000 plus incentives, according to Chris Reichert of Upside Motor.
Benimon's case highlights one of the issues with the NBA's current D-League setup. The Towson standout was unlikely to make the Cavs and could have been made an affiliate player with Cleveland's D-League team in Canton, but the D-League carries with it a $25,000 maximum salary. Benimon had to choose between a non-guaranteed $835,059 with a $25,000 downside, or the substantial guarantee in China.
Benimon really struggled between staying for Cavs camp and taking deal in China. Wants NBA. Season over in Feb big factor, per source.
— Chris Reichert (@Chris_Reichert) September 17, 2015
Benimon's departure cuts the Cavs' current training camp roster to 13 guaranteed contracts, three non-guaranteed deals, and possibly Tristan Thompson.
The 6-foot-8 Benimon had a two-game cup of coffee with the Utah Jazz last season, the reward for an excellent D-League campaign that saw him average 19.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting 61.4 percent over 44 games. He attended summer league with the Cavs in July and reached the original camp deal with the club earlier this month.