Yi Jianlian has signed a contract with the Guangdong Southern Tigers ahead of the start of the Chinese Basketball Association season in November, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

The team's manager Liu Hongjiang was quoted as saying that the 23-year-old had signed a one-season contract “with an option to leave once he accepts an invitation from NBA teams.”

Liu acknowledged that Yi may not stay long if the lockout was resolved and he returned to the NBA.

“Although he may not stay with us very long, I am quite sure his return is good for himself, the team and Chinese fans as well,” Liu was quoted as saying in the Saturday report.

“He could keep his edge in the CBA, our team will also benefit from his skills and fans certainly want to see him play in his best years.”