NBL fans better hope the Melbourne Tigers have a contingency plan in place as speculation increases star guard Chris Goulding could opt out of his current deal and head overseas next season.
Goulding possesses a UK passport and although he has a further year remaining on his current deal with the Tigers, he can exercise an opt-out clause should he receive an offer from Europe.
“I’ve got a British passport, so obviously it is an option (playing in Europe one day),” Goulding told the Herald Sun.
“But that’s something I will have to think about when it comes up and if it comes up sometime down the track.
“It could be in my future, but right now I am just thinking about finishing this season strongly.”
The 192cm shooting guard is averaging over 23 points per game, good for first in the NBL, to go along with three rebounds and three assists each contest.
Along with his impressive play, Goulding’s English passport makes him an attractive offer for European clubs as he would be considered a regular signing, rather than an import.
The 25-year-old is in the midst of his best season as a professional and his coach knows that losing him is a possibility the Tigers may have to deal with.
“While we always want to keep the best players, I’d be hypocritical not to support any decision Chris makes in the future in regards to playing overseas,” coach Chris Anstey said.
“I do know that If we’re good to Chris and he does decide to move on at any stage, I would hope he wouldn’t even consider going anywhere else other than coming back to us.”
Losing Goulding wouldn’t be a complete disaster for the Tigers; any club that comes to terms with the Tasmanian native will have to send a big check the Melbourne’s way as specified in his current deal.
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