NBA: Kobe, Williams pursued by Turkish club Besiktas

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and New Jersey Nets' Deron Williams have received offers to play overseas for the Turkish team Besiktas.

Based on reports, Williams has already agreed in principle to sign with Besiktas while a deal that will pair him with the five-time world champion and one-time NBA MVP is still being discussed. Turkish basketball coach Ergin Ataman says he is "polishing the pitch of his life" and that "we (Besiktas) want Kobe now." Apart from all-stars Bryant and Williams, Besiktas also pursued a role player in Atlanta Hawks' center Zaza Pachulia. According to sources, Pachulia has already agreed to terms with the Turkish club. As the NBA labor dispute goes on, several NBA stars have explored the option of playing overseas. It was reported earlier that Utah Jazz's forward Andrei Kirilenko approached Spain's Real Madrid for a possible stint in the Euroleague. Miami Heat's Dwayne Wade also made it clear that he might also be willing to play overseas. The athletic combo guard told the Associated Press that "If there’s an opportunity there (overseas), I’d (he) consider it." Besiktas' professional basketball team, the Besiktas Cola Turka isn't alien to signing big name American imports. Last year, the Turkish club announced the biggest contract signing in their franchises' history with the arrival of NBA superstar Allen Iverson. However, the team struggled with Iverson and hasn't won any major championship since winning the Turkish Basketball League championship in 1975. The triumvirate of Bryant, Williams and Pachulia could ultimately end Besiktas' 36-year drought.