NBA returning to China after friction between league, country: report

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The relationship between the NBA and China seems to have mended.

ESPN reported late Thursday that the association will play preseason games in China, marking the NBA's first trip there since 2019.

The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns are said to play two preseason games there.

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A general overall view of the Houston Rockets against the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the 2016 Global Games - China at LeSports Center on Oct. 12, 2016 in Beijing. (Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

It has been five years since the controversy sparked by Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey led to Chinese broadcasters not airing games in the country. Morey posted on social media that he supported anti-government protests in Hong Kong. 

Chinese officials wanted Morey fired in 2019 after he showed his support for the anti-government protests, leading to a disagreement with China on this issue. 

In turn, Chinese broadcasts reacted by not airing two preseason games played in the country after the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets traveled to play there. 

Commissioner of the NBA Adam Silver said the league suffered "dramatic" financial losses following the China fallout. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed that the league had suffered "dramatic" financial losses due to corporate sponsors fleeing and other factors. 

However, back in October, Silver said he felt a return was possible. NBA players have made numerous appearances in China over the years, despite the fractured