Dionte button for the first time in 6 years. Why was it KCC, not DB
Aug 21, 2024
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KCC announced on the 21st that it signed Burton as an optional foreign player for the 2024-2025 season.
Defending champion KCC recruited big man Tyler Davis as a second option this season and then brought Burton as a first option to build a top foreign team.
A question arises.
Burton entered the KBL in the 2017-2018 season. At that time, he was the first contributor to DB's regular league victory and advance to the championship game.
It was absolutely supported by Wonju DB fans for its outstanding performance based on strong athletic ability, power to check the opponent's big man even with a short height, and sincerity.
Since then, he has continued his NBA challenge. At that time, DB manager Lee Sang-beom expressed his willingness to renew the contract while visiting Burton's home in the U.S. Burton thanked him, saying that if he fails to enter the NBA, he will play in the DB unconditionally.
He entered the NBA through a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also made an impact on the NBA stage, receiving praise from teammate Paul George.
However, he played in the NBA's G League and the Puerto Rican League. DB continued to seek Burton's trip to Korea, but was blocked by foreign player salary cap.
This season, DB was on the verge of signing Burton. I even offered a specific amount, and Burton agreed. However, with an offer of around $1 million from the Chinese professional league, the trip to Korea was canceled.
In the end, DB gave up Burton and signed Chinanu Onuaku as a one-choice foreign player. Burton's relationship seemed to have ended there.
By the way, a twist happened. Negotiations between the Chinese side and Burton broke down, and Burton again sought to go to KBL.
Burton kept his allegiance to the DB. Although he contacted DB, he had already selected a foreign player with one option as Onuaku. In the end, Burton pushed for a contract with KCC, which has yet to find a foreign player with one option.
KCC considered former NBA player Greg Monroe as a one-choice foreign player, but he was disappointed with his physical condition in U.S. tests. Later, he put an offer on two players who were frustrated with their entry into the NBA, but negotiations were slow.
In the meantime, the button offer came, and KCC actively promoted it. In the end, Burton's first trip to Korea in six years will be at KCC.
With Burton combining with KCC, KCC has emerged as a strong favorite again this season. Song Kyo-chang's three-month absence due to an unexpected finger injury. However, as the button came in, he was able to work with Choi Joon-yong, Lee Seung-hyun, and Heo Woong.
sfryu@sportschosun.com
