Norris Cole signs with China's Shandong Golden Stars
Unable to latch onto an NBA roster as an unrestricted free agent, point guard Norris Cole elected to take his talents overseas.
The 27-year-old has signed with the Chinese Basketball Association's Shandong Golden Stars, his agent told international reporter David Pick.
His contract includes an NBA out, reports Fox Sports Ohio's Sam Amico, which will allow Cole to return to the league during the 2016-17 season if an opportunity arises.
Cole spent last season with the New Orleans Pelicans after the franchise tendered him a $3.03-million qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent during the summer of 2015, which he ultimately accepted.
He recorded career highs in points (10.6), rebounds (3.4), assists (3.7), and minutes per game (26.6) in 45 appearances, missing a good chunk of the campaign with a back and ankle injury.
The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly reached out to Cole with the hope of acquiring him to spot Kyrie Irving off the bench, having lost veteran Mo Williams to retirement after he'd previously suggested he would stick around for one final run.
Cole won two NBA championships as a member of the Miami Heat (2012-13) alongside LeBron James.