"Guard J.R. Smith is seriously considering signing with a Chinese professional basketball team. And although he hasn't signed a contract yet, Smith has been in touch with teams overseas, his agent Leon Rose confirmed Thursday.

One of the Nuggets' better reserves during the George Karl era, Smith is an unrestricted free agent but is looking to get paid by playing in China during the NBA lockout.

Yahoo Sports reported he's mulling a $3 million deal to play the 2011-12 season with Shanxi. If Smith plays in China, he would not be able to opt out of his contract and return to the states if the lockout ends."