Star duo's Sichuan switch spices up WCBA title race

Li averaged 18.8 points and 5 rebounds in 183 appearances for Shenyang Army and Bayi Army between 2013 and 2020.

She led Liaoning to five straight wins in the preliminary games at the 14th Chinese National Games in March, including her jaw-dropping 62-point performance against Shanghai.

"Li is never defeated by injuries and has grown stronger as her career has progressed," read the Team Sichuan statement.

Sun also joined the national squad in 2013, and was part of the team that finished sixth at the 2014 FIBA World Championship.

She averaged 20.8 points and 5.2 boards to help steer Shandong to the National Games finals. She was also part of the team that reached the quarterfinals at Tokyo 2020.

Sun made her WCBA debut in 2011 and was awarded the MVP in the league's 2016 All-Star Game. She averaged 15.7 points and 6.7 boards when representing Bayi in 225 matches.

"We hope Li and Sun fit into this team quickly on their way to new achievements," added the Team Sichuan statement.

It is hoped the trades of star players will help lift the competitiveness of the WCBA league and also boost its professional development and popularity.