Blatche signs $7.5 million Chinese basketball mega deal

MANILA, Philippines – It looks like Andray Blatche will stay in China for the next couple of years. 

The former NBA big man signed a three-year, $7.5 million deal to remain with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), it was reported on Monday, March 23 (PH time).

The 6-foot-11 Blatche, who was paid $2.5 million for his first season with Xinjiang, averaged 31.1 points and 14.6 rebounds in the last CBA season, where he was unable to lead his team to the playoffs.

Blatche, 28, was reportedly coveted by a number of NBA teams for a playoff run, namely his former squad the Brooklyn Nets, the Miami Heat, and the Memphis Grizzlies. 

(READ: Andray Blatche’s journey from New York to Gilas Pilipinas)

The deal given to Blatche is the richest in league history, eclipsing the $3 million contract signed by Kenyon Martin – also with the Flying Tigers. 

Blatche became a naturalized Filipino last year and played for the Philippine men’s national basketball team in the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Both sides have expressed a desire to work together again for the FIBA tournaments the club is expected to participate in 2015. 

Blatche played in 5 games for Gilas Pilipinas during the 2014 FIBA World Cup and averaged 21.2 points and 13.8 rebounds a contest. – Rappler.com