Kenyon Martin will join Xinjiang to play CBA this season. [Source: Sohu.com]

Kenyon Martin becomes the third Denver Nuggets free agent to sign a contract to play basketball in China this season.

Martin's agent, Andy Miller, confirmed yesterday that the 33-year-old forward has agreed to a deal with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.

By doing so, Martin won't be able to return to play in the NBA if there is a 2011-12 season. Owners have locked out the players in a labor dispute and the league says players won't be able to opt out of their deals to return to the NBA.

Denver starters Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari are playing in Europe, but can return if there indeed is a 2011-12 season, Martin will not until the Chinese season ends in March.

J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler have also elected to play in China, which won't allow NBA players to opt out of their one-year contracts should the lockout end.

Martin's agent, Andy Miller, confirmed the forward has agreed to a deal with the Flying Tigers. He will join shooting guard Quincy Douby, a former first-round draft pick by the Sacramento Kings.

Martin's signing was first reported by The Denver Post.

"He's looking forward to the opportunity and global expansion of his image/game," Miller wrote in an email. "He's feeling great."

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