NBA's first Chinese player Wang Zhizhi has renewed his contract for one year with the Miami Heat, with an annual salary of about US$750,000.

Wang Zhizhi, 27, was signed by Miami last December, after being released by the Los Angeles Clippers.

Earlier, Wang Zhizhi had been enlisted to take part in the 2005 summer league playing for the Heat.

The players join the summer league without extra payment. Teams will only offer allowances and guest rooms in a hotel.

Joining the summer league will help Wang Zhizhi to keep fit and further improve his skill so that he can receive more opportunities in the new round of leagues.

The Chinese center, who became China's first NBA player in 2001, has averaged 5 points and 1.9 rebounds in 103 NBA games with Dallas, Miami and the Clippers.

He opens the way for compatriot Yao Ming to be taken as the top selection in the 2002 NBA Draft. 

(CRI July 1, 2004)