San Antonio Spurs guard Devonte' Graham. Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Pair of former NBA players ink deals in China

By Matt Evans | Last updated Oct 24, 2024 3:32 PM ET

Devonte' Graham, a six-season NBA veteran, has inked a deal with the Shanghai Sharks, according to GTV Hoops.

The 29-year-old guard, known for his stints with the Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs, is making his first move overseas. This comes after a brief preseason with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he made two appearances before being waived on Oct. 17.

Graham, a second-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, averaged five points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists with the Spurs last season. His best season was his sophomore campaign in 2019-20, when he averaged 18.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 7.5 assists. Across six NBA seasons he averaged 11.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

His move to China now marks a fresh chapter as he seeks to reignite his career with the Sharks.

His signing comes just a day after Kenneth Lofton Jr., another former NBA player, also joined the Shanghai roster.

Lofton, 22, previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers, and Utah Jazz before a preseason spell with the Chicago Bulls. Waived on Oct. 17, he chose to make his overseas debut rather than return to the G League, where he had spent much of his career.

On April 9, 2023, he exploded for a career-high 42 points and 14 rebounds in his first start for the Grizzlies, becoming the first player to record at least 40 points and 10 rebounds in their starting debut since official records began in 1970.

Lofton was also a dominant force in the G League, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2023 and making the All-NBA G League First Team in both 2023 and 2024.

Through the 2023-24 G League season, Lofton averaged an impressive 25.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, one steal and 1.6 blocks, playing for the affiliate teams of the 76ers and Jazz.

The additions of Graham and Lofton bolster a Sharks lineup that already features notable talent, including D.J. Wilson, Tremont Waters and John Egbunu.

Despite a rocky 1-5 start to the season, Shanghai will be hoping these high-profile signings can help turn its fortunes around as the season progresses.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports. Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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