Following their elimination in the quarterfinals of the 2025–26 CBA playoffs, the Shandong Men’s Basketball Team has officially entered the offseason. The team is expected to regroup in early June, after which a new round of roster changes will take place. Below is an analysis of the current players and their contract statuses to address the much-discussed questions regarding player departures and arrivals. 
In the recently concluded season, Shandong registered 18 domestic players and 6 foreign players, with Powell and Steele already having left. Among the remaining four foreign imports, Chris disappointed again in the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Coach Qiu Biao’s remark about “not being a professional player” likely referred to him, and he may not be on the team next season. As for Purcell and Jones, they have been labeled as “busts” without question. Johnson could be considered as a third foreign option (with a three-foreign-player limit next season). 
Among the domestic players, nine have contracts expiring, ranging from key starters to bench players and even practice squad members. The most notable are Tao Hanlin and Gao Shiyan, both on max contracts. This year, Tao Hanlin has repeatedly mentioned retirement, making it clear that if the club offers a contract, he will play another season; if not, he will retire. Currently, Tao still has the ability to compete in the CBA, but any new deal would likely be a veteran’s contract. Gao Shiyan showcased his core value during the playoff comeback against Liaoning. As one of the few players capable of performing in high-pressure games, he deserves another max contract.
Among rotational players, Chen Peidong, Liu Yi, Sun Tonglin, Xu Mengjun, and Yu Dehao also face contract expirations (end of July). For the first two, neither made significant contributions throughout the season. Their retention depends on the coaching staff’s roster adjustment strategy. Sun, Xu, and Yu have entered the first year of player options after their standard contracts ended, meaning their staying largely rests on personal willingness. Of course, the club may also initiate buyout procedures.
The final two players with expiring contracts are Zheng Xiaoyao and Mi Aili. Zheng, a second-round draft pick selected by the team two years ago, has not seen any action in the league, making his departure almost certain. Mi, a shooting guard brought by Qiu Biao from Xinjiang, played only four minutes in a single game this season, placing him among the most fringe players. Shandong is unlikely to offer him a new contract.
Based on the above, it is predicted that Shandong will part ways with at least three foreign players and two to four domestic players whose contracts are expiring. Subsequently, the team will continue to promote promising young players from its youth academy to the first team while seeking domestic players on the transfer market who can provide immediate contributions and fit the team’s development. Additionally, foreign player recruitment will be a key focus. The team has clear targets: a point guard with strong shooting ability and a center capable of protecting the rim.