The Brooklyn Nets are starting what may be a very long rebuilding phase, which means they are free to get adventurous and sign up-and-coming players from all over the league, and the world.
On Friday morning, Shams Charania reported the Nets are signing Yongxi “Jacky” Cui, an undrafted player from China, to a two-way contract.
Eagle-eyed NBA fans have seen a bit of Cui already and know this could be a smart signing by Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn Nets are signing Yongxi “Jacky” Cui – an undrafted forward out of China – to a two-way NBA contract, sources tell @TheAthletic. pic.twitter.com/jBQJmJHUSU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 20, 2024
The 21-year-old Cui is considered one of the best young players coming out of China and will be the first Chinese player signed by the franchise since Joe Tsai purchased the Nets years ago.
Tsai has always said he would love to give more Chinese players a chance in the league, so this may be his opportunity.
Cui recently agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Portland Trail Blazers and even played with them during the Summer League, but he never actually signed the contract.
Instead, he wanted to pursue a more promising two-way contract with a different team.
Cui has played for two years with Guangzhou in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he averaged 15.7 points and 5.8 rebounds on 46.1% from the field and 36.5% from the three-point line.
Now he has a chance to impress the Nets and perhaps sign a long-term deal in the NBA.
Brooklyn is going through a lot of changes after a few tumultuous years.
They recently parted ways with Mikal Bridges, which confirmed they are planning to rebuild their entire roster, a process that could take years.
Will Cui be a part of this rebuilding?
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Nets Are Signing Former Former Pistons First-Round Pick
