Crazy Moves! Zhou Qi to Join Liaoning? Are They Really About to Dominate the Entire CBA...

The Liaoning Flying Leopards have their sights set on greatness. Fresh off a third consecutive championship, the team is already setting its sights on a fourth title to further cement their dynasty. This summer, Liaoning has wasted no time in strengthening their roster, securing the signatures of two formidable foreign players, Aric Holman and Marial Shayok. However, the buzz around the team suggests that their summer signings might not be over just yet. The biggest move could still be on the horizon.

According to renowned sports journalist Fu Zhenghao, the Liaoning team has pledged its club shares for the third time this year, this time putting up 12 million shares as collateral. Earlier in the year, the club pledged 33 million and 9 million shares, respectively. Fu’s interpretation of these actions suggests that each pledge has been in preparation for significant upcoming signings, and this latest move may be no different. He even hinted that Liaoning might now be the frontrunner in the race to sign none other than Zhou Qi.

Liaoning’s current roster is already a force to be reckoned with, towering over the rest of the CBA. The addition of Zhou Qi, one of China’s most dominant players, could be the final piece that tips the scales completely in Liaoning's favor, rendering the other 19 teams virtually irrelevant. Fans and analysts alike are already speculating that if Zhou Qi joins Liaoning, the CBA might as well hand them the championship trophy now.

To understand the gravity of this potential signing, it’s important to consider Zhou Qi’s impact. In the recent CBA playoffs, Zhou Qi was sidelined with an injury during the pivotal Game 5 of the semifinals against Guangdong. Had he been healthy, many believe that Liaoning’s quest for a three-peat might have ended there, with Guangdong claiming the title instead. This shows that any team with Zhou Qi is capable of challenging Liaoning’s dominance. Without him, the rest of the league is likely fighting for second place.

Back in July, rumors swirled that Zhou Qi had already reached a renewal agreement with the Guangdong Southern Tigers, with only the official announcement pending. Yet, as August progresses, there has been no official word from Guangdong. Instead, there were recent rumors of Zhou Qi potentially signing a max contract with the Beijing Ducks, which was quickly debunked by local media. Now, with rumors of Zhou Qi joining Liaoning gaining traction, Guangdong fans are undoubtedly on edge.

The 2024-2025 CBA domestic player registration period runs from August 1st to August 31st, meaning there are only 11 days left for Zhou Qi’s future to be decided. Despite being busy with the China national team training camp, nothing is stopping him from signing a new contract. Just over a week ago, Guangdong’s general manager personally traveled to Yunnan, seemingly to keep a close eye on Zhou Qi and prevent any last-minute poaching. The tension was palpable, even from the back view of the general manager as he anxiously monitored the situation. Meanwhile, head coach Du Feng appeared much more relaxed, even finding time to participate in the Yao Ming Charity Game. However, securing Zhou Qi’s signature falls on the shoulders of the management team, with the coaching staff wisely staying out of the negotiations.

The Zhou Qi Effect: A Game Changer for Liaoning

Zhou Qi's potential move to Liaoning would be nothing short of a game-changer for the CBA. Standing at 7’1” with a unique blend of agility and shot-blocking prowess, Zhou Qi is the type of player who can single-handedly alter the course of a game. His presence on the court is felt on both ends—whether it's swatting away shots, altering the opponent’s offensive game plan, or being a dominant force in the paint. Offensively, Zhou has developed a reliable mid-range jumper and can stretch the floor with his shooting, making him a versatile threat that few in the CBA can match.

For Liaoning, adding Zhou Qi to their already stacked roster would be the equivalent of an NBA team landing a superstar during the offseason. It would send shockwaves through the league, forcing other teams to rethink their strategies and possibly even their long-term planning. Teams like Guangdong, who have been perennial contenders, would find themselves facing an even steeper uphill battle to dethrone Liaoning.

Liaoning's Strategic Moves: All In for Zhou Qi

The timing of Liaoning’s stock pledge is telling. By securing additional financial resources, the club is positioning itself to make a bold statement in the free-agent market. The pursuit of Zhou Qi is not just about strengthening the team for the upcoming season; it’s about building a dynasty that could dominate the CBA for years to come.

The financial maneuvers by Liaoning suggest that they are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to sign Zhou Qi. The team is prepared to invest heavily to ensure that they land the big man, even if it means stretching their budget and putting up significant collateral. This aggressive approach signals their intent to remain at the top of the CBA hierarchy and to continue their championship run.

If Zhou Qi does indeed sign with Liaoning, it would likely set off a chain reaction within the CBA. Other teams might respond by making their own big moves, perhaps by signing top foreign talent or restructuring their rosters to better compete with Liaoning. The potential ripple effects of this signing could reshape the competitive landscape of the league, leading to an arms race among the top contenders.

The Guangdong Factor: A Race Against Time

Guangdong is not about to let Zhou Qi slip away without a fight. The Southern Tigers have been a dominant force in the CBA for years, and the prospect of losing Zhou Qi to a direct rival like Liaoning is unthinkable. With the clock ticking down to the end of the registration period, Guangdong’s management is undoubtedly working around the clock to finalize a deal that would keep Zhou in their camp.

For Guangdong, retaining Zhou Qi is about more than just winning another championship; it’s about maintaining their status as one of the CBA’s elite franchises. Losing him to Liaoning would not only weaken their roster but also strengthen their biggest competitor, potentially shifting the balance of power in the league for years to come.

What Zhou Qi Brings to the Table

Zhou Qi’s skills are well known, but his true value lies in how he elevates the players around him. His ability to protect the rim allows his teammates to be more aggressive on defense, knowing they have a shot-blocking anchor behind them. Offensively, his presence in the paint draws defenders, creating more space for shooters and slashers alike. His passing out of double teams and court vision make him a facilitator from the post, adding another dimension to his team’s offensive playbook.

If Zhou Qi were to join Liaoning, he would likely become the focal point of their defensive schemes while also being a key contributor on offense. His pairing with players like Guo Ailun and Zhao Jiwei could create one of the most formidable lineups in CBA history, a lineup capable of overwhelming opponents with both skill and physicality.

The Impact on the CBA Landscape

The potential addition of Zhou Qi to Liaoning would not just impact the team’s chances of winning another championship—it could alter the entire trajectory of the league. Liaoning, already a powerhouse, would become an even more formidable opponent, and the rest of the league would be forced to adapt or risk falling behind. The implications of such a move could lead to increased competition, higher stakes, and perhaps even the emergence of new rivalries as teams scramble to keep pace.

For fans, the possibility of Zhou Qi joining Liaoning adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to the upcoming season. The CBA has always been known for its competitive spirit, but a move of this magnitude could elevate the league to new heights, attracting more attention both domestically and internationally.

The Final Countdown

As the registration period nears its end, the pressure is mounting on all sides. Liaoning’s bold moves and Guangdong’s desperate efforts to retain Zhou Qi make for a thrilling offseason narrative. The next few days will be critical in determining where Zhou Qi will play next season and, by extension, which team will have the upper hand in the quest for the 2024-2025 CBA championship.

With Zhou Qi’s future hanging in the balance, the CBA is on the brink of a potential power shift. Whether he ends up with Liaoning or stays with Guangdong, the impact of his decision will be felt across the league. As fans eagerly await the final announcement, one thing is clear: the 2024-2025 CBA season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with Zhou Qi at the center of it all.