The Brooklyn Nets are on the verge of signing 21-year-old Chinese player Yongxi 'Jacky' Cui to a two-way contract, marking a significant step in his professional career.

Cui, a 6-foot-8 shooting guard, previously played for the Guangzhou Loong Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he averaged 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game last season.

After going undrafted in June, Cui participated in the NBA Las Vegas Summer League with the Portland Trail Blazers, showcasing his shooting skills and averaging 3 points per game.

Chris Ebersole, Head of International Basketball Development at the NBA, praised Cui for his strong work ethic and impressive attitude, highlighting his defensive skills.

The Nets had previously worked out Cui before the draft but did not have any picks at that time, indicating their interest in him has been longstanding.

Signing Cui poses minimal financial risk for the Nets, allowing them to explore his potential without significant consequences.

If signed, Cui would become the first Chinese player on the Nets since owner Joe Tsai purchased the team, although Jeremy Lin, a Taiwanese-American, was previously on the roster.

His impressive shooting percentage of 36.5% from beyond the arc adds to his appeal for the Nets, who are looking for low-cost, high-potential talents.

The Nets are currently in a rebuilding phase, allowing them to pursue prospects like Cui, who is viewed as a raw talent expected to spend most of the upcoming season in the G League.

Two-way contracts allow NBA teams to have up to three players who do not count against the luxury tax or salary cap, making Cui's signing a low-risk move for the franchise.

Cui has been in the United States since early August 2024, preparing for his potential NBA career after attending the NBA Global Academy in Australia.

While the Nets have not officially confirmed the signing, Cui's social media activity suggests he is building connections with current players.