Ex-Hawk Childress Opts For Greece Over NBA

Former Atlanta Hawks swingman Josh Childress is leaving the NBA for Europe.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on its Web site that Childress, a restricted free agent, has signed a three-year contract with Olympiakos of Greece.

Yahoo.com reported on Monday that Childress, who averaged 11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds last season, had an offer on the table from Olympiakos for more than $20 million over three years. But Hawks general manager Rick Sund told the AJC on Monday that the four-year pro was just exploring his options.

The newspaper reported Monday the Hawks had a deal on the table worth nearly $36 million, with a first-year salary in excess of the mid-level exception of $5.6 million.

While the Hawks could match any offer from another NBA team for Childress, they do not have the ability to match an offer from a European team.

Credit: ESPN