Chinese guard Yongxi Cui is reportedly joining the Brooklyn Nets on a two-way contract spanning two seasons, as per sources including Lucas Kaplan and Net Income of NetsDaily. While reports out of China suggest the deal is imminent, Brooklyn officials have yet to confirm or deny the signing.
The 6’8″ Cui, a graduate of the NBA Global Academy, was initially expected to sign an Exhibit 10 contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Although this arrangement was rumored in late June, it hasn’t been finalized, with Cui and his representatives exploring opportunities for guaranteed contracts across the league.
Cui participated in a workout with the Nets before this year’s draft, according to reports. However, Brooklyn did not have any picks, and Cui went undrafted.
During the Las Vegas Summer League, Cui saw limited action with Portland, appearing in three games and averaging 3.0 points in 7.2 minutes per game.
Over the past two years, Cui, 21, has played for the Guangzhou Loong Lions, one of the top teams in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Last season, he averaged 15.6 points per game, showcasing a strong three-point shooting ability. Although he had opportunities to play college basketball in the U.S., Cui opted to stay in China.
“He’s got really good feet and plays super hard,” said Chris Ebersole, the NBA’s Head of International Basketball Development, in an interview with NetsDaily. “Those ingredients, for both on-ball defense and off-ball positioning, serve him well.”
Brooklyn currently has two available two-way slots, with Jaylen Martin being the only player on the roster under such a contract. Last season, both Jalen Wilson and Keon Johnson earned standard contracts after starting on two-way deals.
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