Former NBA standout Amar'e Stoudemire has signed with the Fujian Sturgeons of the Chinese Basketball Association for the coming season, the team announced, according to ESPN's Kevin Wang.
The 36-year-old announced his retirement from the NBA in September 2017, but he's since appeared with Tri-State on the BIG3 circuit as well as with Israeli side Hapoel Jerusalem during the 2018-19 season.
Stoudemire attempted to make an NBA comeback this summer, holding a private workout in front of representatives from 12 teams. The six-time All-Star hasn't appeared in a game in the Association since the 2015-16 season.
"A lot of teams have a lot of young players and a lot of the players need to learn how to train, how to become professionals, (and) how to become great basketball players," Stoudemire told MSG Networks in July of his desire to rejoin the NBA. "And veteran leadership goes a long way with teams in order to get from a playoff team to a contending championship team."
However, with no takers in the NBA, Stoudemire will join a Sturgeons team that also features former NBA players Ty Lawson and Erick Green.
In 14 NBA seasons, predominantly with the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks, Stoudemire averaged 18.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. He captured Rookie of the Year honors in 2002-03 and was selected to an All-NBA team on five occasions.
