Officially Confirmed! Liaoning Men’s Basketball Replaces Import, Signs Familiar CBA Veteran to Replace Oliver

Liaoning men’s basketball has hit a rare rough patch in recent seasons, sliding into a four-game losing streak that has exposed a clear low point. The biggest concern is that the domestic core hasn’t provided enough support, while the imports have struggled to make the impact the team needs. Although head coach Yang Ming previously pushed back on rumors of an import change in interviews, new reports now suggest the situation has shifted.

According to media coverage, Liaoning has already decided to replace an import, and the shortlist consists of three familiar CBA names: Kobi Simmons, Hunter, and Kyle. With Shanxi holding Kyle’s priority renewal rights, the most likely outcome is that Hunter becomes the new signing. If that happens, Oliver is expected to be the one replaced. At the same time, the club is also searching for a new guard import, with Brown potentially on the way out as well.

The import issue isn’t new for Liaoning. Last season, the team cycled through multiple options—Toure, Patton, and Oliver all came in at different points—while the form of Fogg and Wells was inconsistent. During that period, Liaoning even brought in players for trials, including an import who had been playing in China’s amateur leagues, highlighting just how actively they were hunting for solutions.

In the offseason, Liaoning kept Wells, added Brown, brought back Morand, and renewed Oliver. But based on how things have unfolded, those moves now look far less convincing. Morand’s form has noticeably declined, and his recent on-court effort has also been questioned. Oliver’s ceiling is well known, Brown has shown flashes but has been too inconsistent, and when it matters most he hasn’t delivered reliable scoring. Meanwhile, Wells has been logging heavy minutes, raising concerns about fatigue and potential injury risk.

In truth, Liaoning has wanted to make changes for a while. The challenge has been budget: finding cost-effective imports who are both affordable and truly difference-makers is rarely easy. But after four straight losses, the club reportedly made the firm decision to act—because if the slide continues, even a playoff push could come under real pressure.

That’s why Liaoning is targeting a “known quantity.” A proven CBA veteran is easier to evaluate, more familiar with the league’s demands, and typically comes with clearer, more transparent pricing—reducing the risk of overpaying for uncertain returns.

Reports describe the incoming player as a wing who is widely recognized by CBA fans, which strongly points to Hunter. There have even been rumors that Liaoning previously held talks with him, though disagreements over contract terms reportedly stalled progress at the time. If the deal is finalized now, Hunter would step in to replace Oliver, and Liaoning would continue moving forward with plans to upgrade the guard import spot—meaning Brown’s exit could be approaching quickly.