Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Carmelo Anthony, and now Guo Ailun.
Jordan Brand made history Wednesday when it signed its first Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) player, inking Ailun to a deal that will reportedly pay him over $1.4 million a year.
The duration of the contract is yet to be released, but it marks a major move for Jordan Brand as it celebrates its 20th anniversary of entering Greater China. The six-foot-four point guard currently plays for the CBA’s Liaoning Flying Leopards, averaging 19.9 points, 4.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 41 games during the 2016-17 season.
“We’re excited to welcome Guo to the Jordan Family,” Michael Jordan said in a press release. “From his competitive spirit and style of play on the court to his strong personality off the court, he’s a great fit for the brand. We look forward to Guo representing the game, Jordan Brand, and ultimately himself in Greater China.”
Ailun, who says he’s “visualized playing like MJ” since he was a kid, has represented his home country of China on multiple occasions, most recently at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Jordan Brand also welcomed its newest signing with the video below:
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