Jeremy Lin leaving CBA, returning to US to ‘rest and reset’

Jeremy Lin has announced his departure from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), cutting his time with the Guangzhou Loong Lions in the 2022-23 season short.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Lin said he made the difficult decision after “lots of consideration,” all while noting his continued love for his sport.

The former NBA star is set to return to the U.S. to “rest and reset before I make a decision with my family for my next step.”

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Lin wrote. “I still love the game of basketball and look forward to getting back to the court one day.”

The 34-year-old athlete made his CBA debut in 2019 as a member of the Beijing Ducks. He joined the Chinese basketball league after helping the Toronto Raptors clinch the 2019 NBA championship.

He then joined the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League in 2021 but ultimately failed to make an NBA comeback.

In a surprise move in September, Lin inked a deal with Guangzhou, hoping to start a “new chapter” in his career. But after just seven games — and a 10,000 yuan ($1,430) fine for making “inappropriate remarks” about COVID-19 quarantine facilities — he is now preparing for his upcoming exit.

While Lin did not go into specifics about his early departure, he expressed gratitude for all of his supporters.

“Big thanks to the CBA, Guangzhou, my coaches, teammates, and of course all of my fans. Deep gratitude for everyone who has walked with me through my career,” Lin wrote. “In the past three years, it’s been really hard on me to not play basketball in front of the fans and I really really miss you all. When I have a decision, I will be sure to let everyone know. Much love.”

Related stories: