Diallo Returns to the CBA! Shanxi Breaks the Bank with a Massive Contract and Costly Buyout

Shanxi’s offseason search for foreign players has been a rollercoaster. Before the new CBA season even begins, the team has already cut George Conditt and Greg Brown. As of now, Shanxi still has three foreign players: Jaylen Nowell, Haggins, and Fayé.

But the trio's competitiveness remains questionable:

• Nowell is making his CBA debut — despite his NBA background, his consistency is uncertain;
• Haggins struggled offensively last season in Xinjiang;
• Fayé, the familiar blue-collar big man, offers defense and rebounding but limited scoring.

If Shanxi enters the season with only these three, their ambitions will be extremely hard to achieve.

That’s when major news broke — Diallo is officially returning to Shanxi!

What makes this move even more dramatic is that Diallo had just signed with Spanish powerhouse Baskonia on a fully guaranteed two-year deal worth over €1 million annually — far higher than most CBA salaries. His decision to return clearly shows how massive Shanxi’s offer must be.

Last season, Shanxi’s success — second in the regular season and reaching the semifinals — relied heavily on their elite foreign trio. Diallo, Goodwin, Kyle III, and Fayé each contributed significantly, but Diallo stood out as the team's superstar, using his NBA dunk champion-level athleticism to dominate, especially when he dismantled Guangdong’s wings during the playoffs.

After the season, their price tags skyrocketed, forcing Shanxi to let them go:

• Diallo to Spain,
• Goodwin to Shanghai,
• Kyle III to Japan.

Now, in a bold move, Shanxi has offered a huge contract plus a sizable buyout fee to bring their top weapon back.

With Beijing, Guangdong, and Shanghai all strengthening significantly, the CBA landscape in the new season will be fierce. Given Shanxi’s limited domestic roster, foreign stars remain essential. Fortunately, Shanxi has a long history of targeting elite imports — they even once considered signing Kobe Bryant. With strong financial backing today, they are able to make another big move.

Fans can once again look forward to Diallo’s explosive, highlight-reel style of play. If he stays composed and matures, he could once again lead Shanxi to a remarkable season.