Nets Officially Announce! Cui Yongxi Waived, What’s Next for His NBA Future?

The NBA journey of Cui Yongxi has hit a significant roadblock. According to an official statement from the Brooklyn Nets, the team has waived the two-way player. The move comes after the Nets acquired two-way guard Jaylen Brown from the Golden State Warriors in a trade involving Dennis Schröder. As per NBA regulations, each team is limited to three two-way players, and with Brown now filling one of those spots, Cui lost his position on the roster. While the move was expected given the circumstances, it marks the end of a brief but eventful chapter in Cui’s NBA career.

The 22-year-old had only been with the Nets since September 20, but his stint was cut short due to a serious injury. Cui was waived on December 16, after suffering a torn ACL during a game in the NBA G League, which led to a season-ending injury. It’s no surprise that any player in such a situation would be waived, particularly by a team like the Nets, who are in the middle of a rebuild. Every roster spot is incredibly valuable, and given Cui's injury, the decision to release him was a logical one.

Some fans might wonder whether Cui’s connection to his billionaire Chinese backer, businessman Cai, could have influenced the Nets' decision. However, it seems unlikely that the team could prioritize personal relationships in this case. While it’s true that Cai likely hoped for Cui to stay with the team, the combination of the injury, the team’s rebuilding focus, and the limited roster spots made the decision to waive Cui understandable.

There are a couple of positive takeaways from this unfortunate situation. First, Cui will remain in the United States for treatment and rehabilitation, and the Nets have committed to covering his medical expenses. Second, according to the terms of the NBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA), Cui will receive the full salary for this season, which amounts to approximately $580,000. Despite his brief NBA tenure, Cui will still be compensated, which provides some financial security during his recovery.

During his short time with the team, Cui appeared in five games, averaging just 2 minutes per game, during which he recorded 0.6 points and 0.4 rebounds with a shooting percentage of 14.3%. Though these numbers may not be impressive in the context of the NBA, Cui had a far more productive run in the G League. Playing for the Long Island Nets, he averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.6 steals over five games, with an impressive 42.9% shooting from beyond the arc.

What stands out in Cui's G League stint is the fact that he had his best game just before his injury. In that game, Cui played 24 minutes and posted 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks while shooting 5-of-11 from the field, including 4-of-8 from three-point range. This performance seemed to confirm his potential as a "3-and-D" wing, a player with the ability to contribute as both a perimeter shooter and a solid defender.

It's also worth noting that Cui’s injury came at a time when another key player for Long Island, AJ Lawson, was signed by the Toronto Raptors. This opened the door for Cui to earn more minutes and opportunities. Unfortunately, just as he was starting to show his potential, his injury struck, derailing what could have been a more significant stretch in the G League and possibly with the NBA squad.

Despite the disappointment of being waived, Cui's NBA journey should not be seen as a failure. His time in the league, although brief, was marked by a genuine effort to make it at the highest level. For many, Cui’s presence in the NBA — even for a short period — is something to be recognized. While the sample size was small and the overall performance was far from stellar, Cui’s story embodies resilience. He was willing to face criticism, carry immense pressure, and even give up financial opportunities to continue chasing his NBA dream. This kind of determination and dedication should not be overlooked, and even those who were skeptical of Cui’s ability to make it in the NBA should respect his commitment.

Furthermore, Cui’s story is valuable for aspiring Chinese players who dream of reaching the NBA. His experience in the NBA and G League provides insights into the challenges and realities of pursuing a career in professional basketball, especially for those who might share a similar skill set and position, like Cui’s "3-and-D" wing style. For young players in China, Cui’s determination is a reminder that the road to the NBA is often paved with setbacks, but it can also be an opportunity for growth.

Cui’s attitude has remained positive throughout the ordeal. In interviews, he shared his thoughts on the nature of injuries and the mental fortitude required to overcome them. "Every athlete will face injuries," Cui said. "Every player sacrifices time, energy, and physical well-being for their career. Injuries are a part of the process. Whether it's a small injury or a major one, it's all about having the willpower to push through. Since life threw me this challenge, I will face it head-on, recover, and continue my journey. My story isn't over yet."

In another post shared just hours ago, Cui reaffirmed his determination to make it back to the NBA. "Wildfires can't burn forever; the spring wind will bring life again," he wrote. "When faced with uncertainty, I will follow my heart, and my heart is resolute. I may need to step away from the court for a while, but once my injury heals, I will return to chase the NBA again, pouring my energy into basketball for the rest of my life, for the love of the game and my fans."

Looking ahead, it’s hard to say whether Cui will be able to return to the level he was at before the injury. Recovering from such a serious injury is difficult, and it may take him a year or more to return to full health. By the time Cui is ready to make a comeback, he will be 23 years old, and it remains uncertain whether an NBA team will offer him another opportunity.

In the short term, the hope is that Cui can return to the court in time for next year’s preseason. The Nets are set to play two preseason games in Macau against the Phoenix Suns, marking the NBA’s return to China after a six-year hiatus. Before his injury, Cui seemed poised to participate in this historic event. Even if he is waived, there’s still a possibility that the Nets will sign him to a minimum contract or an Exhibit 10 deal for the next season.

For now, fans can only wish Cui the best in his recovery process. Regardless of whether he returns to the NBA or not, his journey has already been a valuable learning experience. His time in the NBA, his G League stint, and the adversity he’s faced all serve as crucial steps in his development. When he eventually returns to the court, whether in the NBA, G League, or elsewhere, Cui will undoubtedly have a stronger mindset and a renewed determination to succeed.