Multiple CBA teams have been making contact with Chinese basketball player Zhou Qi since the team he belongs to, the Houston Rockets was knocked out from the Western Conference Finals by the Golden State Warriors in the 2017-18 NBA playoffs, according to Tencent Sports.

As CBA increases its regular games to 46 from 2018-19 season, many teams have been trying to improve themselves. Seven clubs have appointed new head coaches and more are seeking new players.

Meanwhile, Zhou Qi has spent a disappointing season in the Rockets. He played only 18 games in the regular season and did not reach two with scores, rebounds or blocks per game, not to mention he could only be sent to the court during trash time or in games that did not matter. For most of the time, Zhou could only play for NBDL's Rio Grande Valley Vipers. In short words, he has already become a marginal player in NBA.

This explained why more people are starting to think Zhou Qi should come back to China where he would play a way bigger role in any team and enjoy a much higher salary. Nicknamed "the big boss", Zhou possesses dominant advantage with his height, wingspan and speed against most CBA players.

The story of another top Chinese basketball player, Yi Jianlian can also be an example for him. Yi signed a complex contract with NBA's Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 but cancelled it before the 2016-17 season started because, according to Yi, the Lakers failed to keep the promise of giving him enough time on court. Since then, Yi has made outstanding performances in CBA and made much more money.

Zhou Qi joined the Rockets with a four-year contract worth about 5.57 US million dollars but only the par of first year was guaranteed. This means that Houston could cut him off without paying a penny. By contrast, Zhou could receive a yearly pay of over three million dollars in any CBA team, not to mention the business opportunities accompanying his performances. Economically speaking, CBA is a better option.

Nonetheless, not everyone agrees that Zhou Qi should return. Many consider him as China's best figure after Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian. People were happy when he entered NBA because it's a much bigger and better stage where Zhou would have access to opportunities to improve himself. If he comes back, his efforts before may seem wasted.