Sonny Weems has joined Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania, signing a contract that will keep him in Europe all season rather than risk sitting out an entire year if the NBA lockout lasts.

Roger Montgomery, Weems's agent, said his client signed the deal Thursday without an NBA opt-out clause because he believes the league's uncertain labour situation makes it “in our best interest to unpack our bags and stay the entire year.”

Weems played last season for Toronto and was a restricted free agent. The Raptors extended a qualifying offer, meaning they would maintain the right to match any offer by another team if he returned to the NBA.