HoopsHype.com Rumors

Earl Clark is definitely going to China, and his deal will not include an NBA-out clause. But that doesn’t necessarily mean Clark won’t play in the NBA next season. The Chinese Basketball Association’s regular season begins in December and ends in mid-March, with the playoffs extending into mid-to-late April. Clark’s one-year contract will expire once his team is eliminated. Orlando Sentinel

China, Earl Clark 

After the CBA season ends, Clark is free to sign with any NBA team, a wrinkle that factored into his decision to play in Asia. He hopes to latch onto an NBA team — assuming there’s a season — once he’s done playing in China. Orlando Sentinel

China, Earl Clark 

Forward Earl Clark, who appeared in 33 games for the Orlando Magic after being traded from Phoenix in December, is considering leaping to China amid uncertainty surrounding the NBA lockout and his impending free agency. Clark is in talks with Zhejiang of the Chinese Basketball Association, according to multiple reports, including one that said he had signed with the Chinese team. Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Free Agency, Trade, Earl Clark 

However, a source close to Clark told the Orlando Sentinel late Tuesday night that he "has not signed anything yet." The deal would not include an NBA-out clause, according to a report by Yahoo! Sports, meaning Clark would spend next season in China regardless of what happens with the NBA lockout. Orlando Sentinel

Lockout, China, Earl Clark 

Orlando Magic free agent Earl Clark has reached agreement on a one-year contract with Zhejiang of the Chinese Basketball Association, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The deal will pay Clark in the “high six figures,” one source said. Yahoo! Sports

Orlando Magic, Free Agency, China, Earl Clark 

Alex Kennedy: Earl Clark has signed a one-year deal with a Chinese team, sources confirm. Sources say Clark's deal doesn't include an NBA out. Twitter

Orlando Magic, Free Agency, China, Earl Clark 

Alex Kennedy: Clark will play for Zhejiang. He won't return to NBA this year, even if a new collective bargaining agreement is ratified. Twitter

Orlando Magic, Free Agency, China, Earl Clark 

Anderson spent the next 45 minutes completing a grueling workout that included almost 600 stomach crunches, countless punches and some weightlifting. But he isn't the only Magic player throwing jabs, hooks and uppercuts this offseason. Encouraged by team officials, Gilbert Arenas, Brandon Bass, Earl Clark and Chris Duhon have incorporated boxing into their training regimens. "I thought it was kind of weird that they were sending me in here to box at first, but I love it," said Anderson, who has been boxing since he was traded to the Magic in June 2009. "It's just a great workout, and I see now why we keep coming back here and bringing guys here." Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic, Gilbert Arenas, Chris Duhon, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson, Earl Clark 

The goal of these sessions isn't to become better fighters: No one is punching the Magic players, and they're not punching anyone unless they're aiming jabs, hooks and uppercuts into the pads Drespling often wears on his hands or over his ribs and stomach. Magic strength and conditioning coach Joe Rogowski endorses the boxing workouts because they improve the players' stamina, balance and mental toughness. The boxing also breaks up the monotony of players' usual training routines of shooting baskets and weightlifting at Amway Center and running on the Jones High School track. "It gets boring doing the conditioning on the court, so this provides more one arrow in the quiver," Rogowski said. "I just like to get them out of the gym once in a while. It's a great workout. It's different. The guys look at it as a challenge." Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic, Gilbert Arenas, Chris Duhon, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson, Earl Clark 

Zach McCann: A couple league sources believe Clark will generate some interest in free agency based on his size and potential alone. Twitter

Orlando Magic, Free Agency, Earl Clark 

Clark demonstrated his defensive ability at times this year, helping limit Kevin Durant and LeBron James to sub-par performances during the regular season. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy has said several times he believes Clark can be a "special" defender in the NBA. "His potential as a defensive player and as a defensive impact guy is unlimited," Van Gundy said, "if he can get down some better team defensive principles and focus and if he can truly understand that his route to being a special player in this league lies at the defensive end." Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic, Earl Clark 

This summer, Clark plans to work with Magic strength and conditioning coach Joe Rogowski, watch a lot of film, improve his jumper and make sure he knows Orlando's plays and system heading into training camp next year. "I want to be a great overall player, not just one-dimensional," Clark said. Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic, Earl Clark 

Said Clark: “It’s been a good experience for me, coming to a team that accepted me with open arms. I look forward to staying here and building it with the team. … I don’t want to play anywhere else.” Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic, Earl Clark 

Both Richardson and Clark said they haven’t yet spoken with Smith about their futures in Orlando. Smith has said he likes both players in the past. Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic, Jason Richardson, Earl Clark 

Alex Kennedy: I have good news for Magic fans. Earl Clark may be joining Twitter in the next few days. Twitter

Orlando Magic, Twitter, Earl Clark 

Now, eighteen games later, Clark has made the most of his opportunity and is playing a significant role off of the Magic's bench. He now has a clear-cut role and routine that he can follow, which has helped him make huge strides. "It's way easier because you can prepare for things," Clark told HOOPSWORLD. "It's just playing. Every game you find your rhythm, know when you're coming in and what you're coming in to do. Basically, you just know your role. That's much easier." HoopsWorld

Orlando Magic, Earl Clark 

After the Magic announced that their trade with the Suns was official, several Magic players admitted that they didn't know anything about Clark. He was the wildcard in the trade because every other incoming player – Gilbert Arenas, Turkoglu and Richardson – had a close relationship with Magic team president Otis Smith. With his solid play, Clark believes he has gained the confidence of his teammates and coaches. "I definitely think I have just based on the comments that my teammates have made to me. Coach has done the same. It always feels good to know that these guys have your back. They know that when we go out there, they can look me in the face and know that I'm ready to go to war with them," Clark said. HoopsWorld

Orlando Magic, Earl Clark 

Clark will become a free agent for the first time at season's end. He says he'll take a look around the league. He's hoping the Magic will re-sign him. "I don't know what will happen," he said. "I like it here and I hope they will. We'll see." Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic, Free Agency, Earl Clark 

Earl Clark and Mickael Pietrus swapped teams after the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns completed a six-player trade over the weekend, but they may end up renting one another's houses. It's common in the NBA for players who are traded in the middle of the season to rent a house and sometimes, the two players involved can work out a temporary swap that gives each a place to stay. Clark and Pietrus are trying to work out a similar arrangement. For now, both are staying in a hotel because the NBA allows teams to provide players with a room for forty-five days after a trade. HoopsWorld

Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Trade, Mickael Pietrus, Earl Clark 

Hakim Warrick: Just wanna wish @Jason Richardson @Earl Clark and Turk the best of luck n Orlando Twitter

Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Trade, Hidayet Turkoglu, Jason Richardson, Hakim Warrick, Earl Clark