The New Orleans Pelicans decided they were not going to bring back point guard Norris Cole, so for several months he has been waiting for an acceptable offer from an NBA team. That offer never came Cole's way, so his agent, Joel Bell, checked for options overseas and found one for the 2016-17 season.

According to NBA writer Sam Amico, Bell has confirmed that Cole signed with Chinese team the Shandog Bulldogs and the contract will pay an estimated $5.5 million for 2016-17. Like most deals signed with Chinese clubs, there is no out-clause in the contract, so Cole won't be available to return to the NBA until Shandog's season is over.

There had been mutual interest between Cole and the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they could only offer a minimum contract.

Cole played in 45 games last season with the Pelicans and averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 assists and 3.4 rebounds.

-- Nick Silva