Free agent center Chris Johnson has signed a one-year contract with Zhejiang Guangsha Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association, a source told RealGM.

A final release of the Minnesota Timberwolves in training camp, Johnson had been scouring offers overseas, ultimately reaching terms late Saturday morning. The shortened season in China gives Johnson an opportunity to return to the NBA in February or March, when teams seek to fortify their depth.

Johnson averaged 3.9 points and two rebounds in 30 games with the Timberwolves a season ago, and the 6-foot-11 big man proved himself under two 10-day contracts before earning a guaranteed deal.

Johnson, 28, went unselected in the 2009 NBA draft, playing three NBA seasons with Portland, Boston, New Orleans and Minnesota. He’s also spent part of his professional career overseas (Turkey, Poland) and in the D-League (Dakota, Santa Cruz).

David Pick of Eurobasket.com first reported that Johnson was signing with Zhejiang.