By Sportswriter Wang Haoming

The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) club Guangdong Hongyuan officially announced on Friday night the signing of NBA guard Aaron Brooks for one season.

"The deal was completed on Thursday night, which cost us less than 2 million U.S. dollars," said Liu Hongjiang, manager of Guangdong Hongyuan.

The 26-year old guard will arrive in China after next Wednesday and may make his debut in the CBA league next Friday in the Guangdong's game against Beijing Ducks.

Brooks, who played for Phoenix Suns last season, will be obligated to play the full season in China even if the NBA lockout finally ends.

"We have been keeping contact for more than a month," said Liu, who believed it was the desperation for the NBA lockout that finally brought Brooks to China.

"He certainly wanted to continue his career in NBA, but he turned to be desperate last night," Liu added.

Brooks is a popular player in China from his days of playing with Yao Ming in Houston. But Liu insisted that his acquisition was a pure "technique and tactic" consideration.

"He is sharp at scoring and assisting, although he may be a little short in defence, we will make special tactics for him," Liu said.

Guangdong, who grasped seven championships in their last eight CBA seasons, turned to be more ambitious after the return of Yi Jianlian and the acquisition of Brooks.

"We are welcoming challenges from any club," said Liu.

Brooks, who averaged 19.6 points and 5.3 assists in 2009-2010 season with Rockets, harvested the most improved player after the season. He got 10.7 points and 3.9 assists for Suns last season.

The 26-year old was the latest one of NBA free agents moving to China this season, which includes Kenyon Martin, Wilson Chandler, and J.R. Smith.