According to previous reports, the CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) has updated its list of free agents, with Zhou Qi, a star player from the Guangdong Southern Tigers, included.
In response to this, domestic sports media figure @FZHMVP posted his insights:
“Zhou Qi becoming a restricted free agent in the CBA means that he can openly receive offers from various clubs. However, it is likely that there is already a clear target club, and Guangdong Southern Tigers have accepted all possibilities. Although Guangdong Southern Tigers can theoretically still match any offer, considering their prior efforts during the exclusive negotiation period which failed to impress Zhou Qi, it signifies that they are indeed unable to meet Zhou Qi’s renewal terms.”
“Guangdong Southern Tigers and Zhou Qi parting ways amicably, allowing him to become a restricted free agent, also gives Zhou Qi ample opportunity to test the market and inquire about prices. If Zhou Qi ultimately leaves, Guangdong Southern Tigers will only receive a training fee paid by his new club. Zhou Qi becoming a restricted free agent signals that the time for clubs to compete financially has arrived, where the one with greater financial power will prevail. In summary, things are changing, and Beijing Ducks, after recently completing their second round of reinforcement, have quietly taken the lead in the race for Zhou Qi.”
