Chinese giant Yi Jianlian has joined the Milwaukee Bucks on a $3 million-a-year deal.
Chinese forward finally signs for Milwaukee
Chinese giant Yi Jianlian has joined the Milwaukee Bucks on a $3 million (£1.5 million) a year deal.
The 7ft starlet was picked by the Bucks as the sixth selection in the NBA draft, but had looked set to shun a move to Wisconsin.
But Milwaukee owner Herb Kohl has now secured a long-term deal with the former Guangdong Tigers forward, nicknamed A-Lian.
"My feelings are that it's a new start, a fresh challenge," Kohl said.
"A-Lian is an extraordinarily fine person and he's a great basketball player and we couldn't be more pleased with having him."
Fresh start
There had been fears Yi might try to win a trade away from Milwaukee because of the small Asian population there, but the rookie is now keen to get down to business.
"These things have passed, there's no need to speak of them again," Yi added.
"I have no regrets. I think this team and the boss have a common goal. For me, it's a good opportunity."
The Bucks finished bottom of the Eastern Conference Central standings last season, and will want a much better return with Yi on the books this season.
