Report: Sullinger, Chinese team agree to 2-month deal

It looks like Jared Sullinger is still focused on getting back to the NBA, but it might take a detour in China to show he can still be an effective role player.

The five-year veteran has reportedly signed a two-month, $300,000 deal to play with the Shenzhen Leopards of the Chinese Basketball Association, according to international basketball reporter David Pick.

The terms imply that Sullinger hopes to preserve the chance of joining an NBA team midway through the season.

Sullinger had a rough 2016-17 campaign. A preseason foot injury exacerbated his longtime struggle with conditioning, and when he finally made his season debut, he was relegated to garbage time duties. After just 11 appearances for the Toronto Raptors, his contract was used as salary ballast as part of the P.J. Tucker trade and he was subsequently waived by the Suns.

From 2013-2016, Sullinger's healthiest stretch, the power forward averaged 12.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, becoming an important member of the Boston Celtics' big man rotation. More than statistical output, Sullinger must prove his body is ready to handle the rigors of being a professional athlete if he hopes to see an NBA bench in his future.