The Xinjiang Flying Tigers announced a trade on Tuesday, acquiring young frontcourt players Li Yanzhe and Wang Quanze from the Guangzhou Loong Lions.
Zhang Ning (L) and Eric Moreland (R) of Shanxi Loongs defend Li Yanzhe of Guangzhou Loong Lions during the 36th round match between Guangzhou Loong Lions and Shanxi Loongs at the 2020-2021 season of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league in Zhuji, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan.30, 2021. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)
In the deal of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league, Xinjiang gave up shooting guard Elfrat Muhtar and center Yu Xiaohui. The CBA powerhouse said the deal has been approved during the just-concluded CBA domestic player trade window.
Li, a product of the Guangzhou youth training system, has shown rapid improvement recent years under head coach Guo Shiqiang. As a potential top-tier center, he has averaged 10.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season, and is anticipated to enhance the frontcourt of the league-leading Xinjiang in its pursuit of the championship this season.
Wang who once represented the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania to play in NCAA, has only appeared in three games this season due to knee injuries.