Christian Eyenga Leaving D-League For China

Former first-round pick Christian Eyenga has bought out his contract with the Texas Legends of the D-League so he can sign with the Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons, tweets Mark Deeks of ShamSports. The former Cavs and Lakers swingman first hinted at the move on his own Twitter account a few hours ago. Eyenga will replace another former NBA player on Shanxi's roster, Marcus E. Williams, who a few days ago became the first Chinese league player suspended for drugs after testing positive for marijuana.

Eyenga appeared in 14 games for Texas this season, but started only one of them, averaging 16.1 points and 5.7 rebounds. He was let go at the end of training camp by the Magic, who got him from the Lakers as part of the Dwight Howard trade. L.A. had acquired him from the Cavs via the Ramon Sessions trade at the deadline last year. The Lakers reportedly had an affinity for the 6'5" swingman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but they're ineligible to re-sign him until next July.

Cleveland drafted him with 30th overall pick in 2010, but after a rookie season in which he averaged 6.9 PPG and 2.8 RPG in 21.5 minutes per contest, including 18 starts, he's seen action in only 14 NBA games. Since the Chinese season ends in February, he could still find his way back to the NBA in 2012/13.