ESP - Vazquez now wants NBA, but buyout clause a major hurdle

MALAGA (ACB) - Spain's Fran Vazquez is ready to move to the NBA, but a buyout clause of 10million US dollars is likely to prevent the 11th overall pick by Orlando in the 2005 draft from leaving Barcelona.

"I am ready to make that leap," Vazquez said. "I am really happy at Barcelona, I have learned a lot with coach Dusko Ivanovic this year.

"However, considering the interest shown by Orlando again in recent months, I have decided to take the step forward and go to the NBA."

NBA teams are allowed to pay up to just $350,000 in buyout fees, and Barcelona general director Zoran Savic already has already said the club "would not reduce that figure by one (dollar)."

"We are not thinking of negotiating with Orlando or with anybody else," said Zavic.

"We are not going to reduce the buyout fee."

Barcelona's track record of holding firm on their buyout clauses makes Vazquez's departure unlikely.

This year's Copa del Rey winners did not allow Juan Carlos Navarro to leave for the Washington Wizards, the team that holds his draft rights, before the the 2006-07 season.

Nevertheless, Vazquez is keeping his fingers crossed that he will go.

"They (Orlando executives) have come several times to see me and speak to me during this season," he said.

"I know they have taken the first steps to negotiate with Barcelona. If Barcelona allows me to leave, then I will go to Orlando. I really believe it's the ideal time to go."

The 24-year-old Vazquez may live to regret the decision to remain in Europe in 2005, just months after being drafted.

He stunned everyone when electing to sign a more lucrative contract with Akasvayu Girona to remain in Spain.

After back problems contributed to him enduring a difficult season in Girona, Vazquez moved to Barca last summer and saw his fortunes improve.

He had to withdraw from the Spain squad that won the FIBA World Championship last year because of his back injury.

National team coach Pepu Hernandez this week chose not keep his same team together for the EuroBasket 2007 in Spain and did not add Vazquez to his roster.

Cindy Garcia-Bennett
FIBA