Domestic Leagues

Jaylen Nowell signs with China’s Shanxi Loongs

Jun 10, 2025 5:40 PM

Free agent guard Jaylen Nowell is set to continue his professional basketball career overseas, with Emiliano Carchia of Sportando reporting that Nowell has signed a contract with the Shanxi Loongs of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

The move was confirmed by Nowell himself, who shared a social media post announcing the news on his Instagram account.

A former second-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Nowell spent his first four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, carving out a consistent role off the bench.

During his time in Minnesota, he averaged 9.1 points per game while playing 17.0 minutes per night, and posted shooting splits of 44.7% from the field, 32.2% from three, and 79.8% from the free-throw line across 184 games.

Despite his contributions, Nowell was not re-signed by the Timberwolves in the 2023 offseason. Since then, he has experienced a turbulent stretch, bouncing between several NBA and G League teams.

He had short stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, and New Orleans Pelicans, while also suiting up in the G League for the Stockton Kings and Capital City Go-Go.

His production at the G League level has been impressive, highlighted by a dominant 2024 campaign with the Go-Go in which he averaged 24.7 points per game on elite shooting marks: 52.7% from the field, 47.9% from three-point range, and 90.0% from the free-throw line.

Though he remained on the NBA radar, including a 10-day contract signed with the Washington Wizards in February 2025, Nowell did not appear in any games during that brief stint.

Now 25 years old and turning 26 next month, Nowell is joining a competitive Shanxi Loongs squad that already has a track record of featuring former NBA talent.

Last season, the team was led in scoring by ex-NBA guards Brandon Goodwin and Hamidou Diallo, while Harry Giles also contributed in a supporting role.

Shanxi finished the regular season with an impressive 34-12 record, second-best in the 20-team CBA, though their playoff run ended in the semifinals at the hands of the Beijing Ducks.

Nowell’s signing adds another proven scorer to Shanxi’s roster and offers him an opportunity for a fresh start and a leading role on a high-level international team.