While the Chinese Basketball Association’s plan to resume play following their hiatus was been postponed, teams continue to make moves in preparation for action.
The Liaoning Flying Leopards, who currently employ Lance Stephenson and Brandon Bass, are nearing a deal with former NBA lottery pick O.J. Mayo.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Wang, the 32-year-old is in the midst of a 14-day quarantine, after which he’ll seek medical clearance to suit up for the squad as their third permitted import player.
Mayo has played for several international basketball teams in Puerto Rico and Asia since he was suspended from the NBA in the summer of 2016 but hasn’t yet played in the CBA, China’s premier league.
Mayo has been eligible for reinstatement to the NBA since 2018-19 but it’s unclear if he’s formally applied for it. The Milwaukee Bucks renounced his rights at the time of the suspension, so he’d be an unrestricted free agent if he ever returned stateside.
