Officially Decided to Trade! Farewell, Chen Yingjun! An Epic Offseason in the CBA

The Guangzhou team has reached a turning point, officially entering a rebuilding phase and putting all their key players up for sale. Even their star guard, Chen Yingjun, has now been placed on the trade block. Since coach Guo Shiqiang took over in 2020, Chen has flourished under his guidance, becoming an All-Star level player. During the 2021-22 season, Chen averaged 19.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game, shooting an impressive 49.4% from the field. He led the team to the playoffs for four consecutive years and secured a top-tier salary contract last offseason.

With Chen now on the trading block, there's no doubt he'll attract significant interest, especially from stronger teams looking to bolster their rosters. For Guangzhou, trading Chen could bring in a substantial amount of cash, easing the team's financial pressures. The team's fiscal issues have been known for some time, highlighted by their mid-season decision last year to trade Li Yanzhe to Xinjiang.

For the 31-year-old Chen, leaving Guangzhou and potentially joining a stronger team is a favorable move. There's no point in wasting his prime years in a rebuilding phase. Moving to a major city and a championship-contending team would enhance his chances of winning his first career title and solidifying his legacy.

Potential Suitors for Chen Yingjun

The big question is, which team will be the most aggressive in pursuing Chen Yingjun? One strong contender is Beijing. Previously, Beijing openly pursued Wang Lanxin, but Tongxi has been reluctant to let him go. With Chen Yingjun now available and arguably a better and more attainable option, Beijing might shift its focus.

Many fans are frustrated with Beijing’s current situation, where players like Fang Shuo, who is more of a scorer, are forced into playmaking roles, disrupting the team's flow. This has resulted in talented players like Zeng Fanbo seeing less of the ball, hampering their development. A top-tier playmaker like Chen Yingjun could resolve these issues, acting as the perfect engine for the team.

Zeng Fanbo, once considered one of China’s most promising NBA prospects, has seen a decline in performance in the CBA. His rookie season averages were 12 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, which dropped to 10.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in his sophomore year. Players like Cui Yongxi and Lin Wei, from the same draft class, have surpassed him. A proficient playmaker like Chen Yingjun or Wang Lanxin could elevate Zeng's game, ensuring he gets the ball in scoring positions and increasing his on-court impact.

Rumors and Strategic Moves

There have been rumors about Beijing signing Zhou Qi to a maximum contract, which were quickly denied, but such rumors often have some basis in truth. Additionally, Beijing has reportedly made substantial progress in talks with Zhao Yanhao, who at his peak averaged 17.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, and is versatile enough to start or come off the bench.

If Beijing manages to assemble a roster featuring Chen Yingjun, Zhao Yanhao, Zeng Fanbo, and Zhou Qi, and complements them with strong foreign players, their return to the top of the league is far from a fantasy. Beijing has a storied history as a championship team and could once again become a dominant force.

While Beijing is still in the planning stages, their city rivals, the Beijing Royal Fighters, have already made significant moves. Recently, the Royal Fighters announced the acquisition of DPOY (Defensive Player of the Year) Shen Zijie from the Shenzhen Leopards, as well as securing the priority rights to re-sign foreign MVP Jared Sullinger. This bolsters the Royal Fighters’ roster significantly, making them one of the strongest teams in the league and positioning them as serious contenders for the title.

Implications and Future Prospects

The Guangzhou team's decision to trade Chen Yingjun marks a significant shift in the CBA landscape. For Chen, this trade could be a pivotal moment in his career, offering him the chance to compete for a championship and achieve new heights. For Guangzhou, this move is part of a broader strategy to rebuild and alleviate financial strains.

As the offseason progresses, the CBA is witnessing an unprecedented level of activity and excitement. Teams are reshuffling their rosters, making strategic trades, and positioning themselves for the upcoming season. For fans, this period is filled with anticipation and speculation, as they eagerly await the final outcomes of these moves.

Chen Yingjun's departure from Guangzhou is more than just a player trade; it's a symbol of the dynamic changes within the league. His next destination could significantly impact the balance of power in the CBA, and fans across the league will be watching closely to see where he lands and how he performs in his new team.

In conclusion, the CBA offseason is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling and transformative periods in recent memory. The moves made now will set the stage for the battles to come in the next season, and for players like Chen Yingjun, it’s a chance to redefine their careers and make a lasting impact on the league.