In November, Zhou revealed he had switched agents in a bid to get more court time with the Rockets, but now his representative's top priority will be finding a new team for his client, with the chances of the former Xinjiang star heading back to the CBA in the short term looking slim.

"My injuries are basically fine now," said Zhou. "I keep communicating with my agent for my better development in the league. I'm open to talk to clubs that are interested in me.

"I'll keep fighting to pursue my basketball dream. What I want is still the dream of every Chinese basketball player. After all, I'm just 22 years old. I still believe that I'm a lucky man. What I've achieved has already gone beyond my expectations when I was a kid.

"More importantly, the Basketball World Cup will be staged in China next year. I'll keep fighting to contribute more to my country. I want to have a great performance in my own country and thrill the fans."

Like his compatriot Zhou, 25-year-old Ding Yanyuhang is also chasing his NBA dream Stateside. The injury-plagued Ding was waived by the Dallas Mavericks in October before joining their G League team, the Texas Legends.