Bodog Beat

Josh Childress has left the Atlanta Hawks to join Greek League team Olympiakos. (AP Images)

In what may become a prevalent move amongst NBAers, Atlanta Hawks F Josh Childress has left the NBA to play abroad - with Greek club Olympiakos.

Due to the strength of the Euro compared to the US Dollar (not to mention the lower income tax), the Olympiakos contract is actually more lucrative than anything Childress would've received in the NBA. According to agent Lon Babby, the deal works out to about $20 million after taxes. The money is guaranteed.

"It's obviously a bit different, being the first player to do something like this, but I think it's a great opportunity, and it's going to be a great experience for me," Childress said in a conference call (courtesy ESPN.com) "I was in a situation that I really didn't know what my answer would be when I got to Athens," he said. "But it's a great city and a great team, and they did everything to make me feel at home."

Olympiakos finished second in the Greek league last year behind rival Panathinaikos. Childress averaged 11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds as the Hawks' top reserve last season. The deal is the most lucrative current contract in European basketball and the biggest in Euroleague history, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

How will the Hawks react to losing their productive sixth-man? If you think you can handicap the Atlanta situation, head on over to the Bodog Sportsbook now for some NBA basketball betting futures!