NZ Breakers have release star guard Corey Webster to take up a lucrative contract offer in China.
The Australian NBL club has accepted a buyout of Webster's contract from Zhejiang Guangsha, currently sitting seventh in the Chinese league.
But New Zealand basketball fans will see the 31-year-old back in Breakers colours, after Webster penned a two-year contract extension to rejoin them next season.
Webster is the struggling club's leading active scorer this season, averaging 19.5 points per game, although ankle and back injuries have limited his game time recently.
"We didn't anticipate an offer like this coming through, but this is a win for both the Breakers, and Corey and his family," says club owner Matt Walsh.
"Obviously, we do not want Corey leaving midway through the current season, when we have just got our full roster back, but that has to be balanced by what is the best decision for the club and for the player."
Webster is delighted to come to an agreement that works for both parties. The Tall Black shooter also wanted to show the Beakers fanbase that he remained committed beyond this season.
"I thank Matt for his professionalism in assisting me to accept this life-changing opportunity," Webster said.
"It's important that Breakers fans know that I'm not turning my back on the club.
"I am just setting my family up for the future and I have every intention of being back as soon as this short-term contract ends."
After his starring role for the national team at the Basketball World Cup in September, Webster received a big offer from Turkish club Darüşşafaka, but the Breakers refused to release him at that time.
Now languishing near the foot of the ANBL ladder with four wins/10 losses and slipping from playoff contention, the Auckland club's attitude has softened.
With Webster's departure, Tall Blacks international Ethan Rusbatch has been promoted to a full roster spot.
