CHESHIRE Jets are lining up an opportunistic swoop for one of the most gifted basketball players on the planet – LA Lakers star Ron Artest.
The Jets have contacted Artest and his representatives to enquire about his availability after he revealed via the social networking website Twitter that he would consider a move to the UK.
Outspoken New Yorker Artest, 31, says he is willing to play in the UK because the NBA is currently involved in a pay dispute with the NBA Players Association, which could see the start of the season in America delayed by months.
The Jets decided to test how serious Artest was about moving to these shores by seeing if the forward, who has signed a five-year deal with the Lakers worth a staggering $33 million, would swap the NBA for the BBL.
Jets director Pete Hawkins told The Chronicle: “We have been in touch with Ron Artest to let him know we would be happy to have him should he decide to come to play in the BBL.
“If he does it would be an amazing coup, akin to David Beckham signing for the LA Galaxy.”
Artest is thought to be one of several NBA players considering overseas options.
On Twitter, he posted: “I’ll keep yal updated on what country I should play in on ronartest.com. Italy is pretty good. I like the UK even though they don’t pay much.”
That comment alone might have passed without notice, but Artest made further tweets.
He wrote: “I just loveee the UK! I will keep yal updated on what country I’m going to play for while the lockout is here!” “UK, Japan, France, Germany, Australia, those are my top five countries right now! ”
In response to a post by former Jets player Matt Schneck, Artest posted: “Can’t wait to play ball in the UK!”
Jets had received no formal reply from Artest when The Chronicle went to press.
The Jets’ season kicks off with a BBL Trophy game at Sheffield Sharks on Friday, September 30 and they host the Mersey Tigers in the first derby of the season on Sunday, October 2, also in the Trophy.
