Kyle Anderson: Contract | Chinese Name | Teams | Career Earnings

Kyle Anderson is one of the more intriguing and accomplished professional basketball players of his generation — not just for his unique “Slow Mo” style on the court, but also for his evolving career path that blends NBA success with an unprecedented pivot into international representation for China. In this comprehensive article, we’ll break down everything about Anderson’s contracts, Chinese name and citizenship, teams he’s played for, and his overall career earnings — making it the definitive guide for fans, analysts, and SEO-driven content alike.

Who Is Kyle Anderson? (Early Life & Background)

Born on September 20, 1993, in New York City, Kyle Forman Anderson grew up in New Jersey, where he first began turning heads as a versatile and intelligent basketball player. Standing at 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) and possessing excellent court vision, Anderson shined both in high school and at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) before declaring for the 2014 NBA Draft.

Dubbed “Slo Mo” for his deliberate yet highly effective playing style, Anderson leveraged his size and basketball IQ to become one of the most unique forwards in professional basketball.

NBA Draft & Entry Into the League

In 2014, Anderson was selected with the 30th overall pick in the NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. His career officially began there, marking the start of a journey through multiple teams and contracts in one of the world’s most competitive sports leagues.

Kyle Anderson’s Teams: A Journey Through the NBA

Throughout his NBA career, Anderson has represented several franchises — each shaping his career and market value in different ways.

1. San Antonio Spurs (2014–2018)

• Drafted by the Spurs in 2014 and played his first four seasons in San Antonio.

• Developed his skills within a culture focused on ball movement and team play — perfect for his versatile skill set.

• This period helped establish Anderson as a reliable rotational player with high basketball IQ.

2. Memphis Grizzlies (2018–2022)

• In 2018, Anderson signed a four-year, $37.16 million contract with the Grizzlies — the most lucrative deal of his early career.

• He enjoyed his most productive years here, cementing his role as a starter and core playmaker.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves (2022–2024)

• Anderson joined the Timberwolves on a two-year, $18 million deal in 2022, averaging key minutes as a forward and veteran leader.

• In 2024, the team agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract in a sign-and-trade deal with Golden State Warriors.

4. Golden State Warriors (2024–2025)

• Anderson spent part of the 2024-25 season with the Warriors following the sign-and-trade, showcasing his versatility in a new role.

5. Miami Heat & Utah Jazz (2025–Present)

• Trades and roster moves in 2025 led Anderson to the Miami Heat and later to the Utah Jazz, where he continued to contribute as a seasoned floor general.

6. Return to the Memphis Grizzlies (2026)

• In early 2026, Anderson agreed to a contract buyout with the Grizzlies, with plans to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves again, continuing his veteran leadership role.

Kyle Anderson’s Contract History

Anderson’s NBA career has been marked by a series of significant contracts that reflect his value as a versatile forward capable of facilitating offense and defending multiple positions.

Rookie Contract (2014–2018)

• Signed with the San Antonio Spurs on a standard rookie deal worth about $5.58 million across four years.

• Base salaries ranged from roughly $1.09 M to $2.15 M annually.

Memphis Grizzlies Contract (2018–2022)

• Anderson’s first major contract was a 4-year, $37.16 million deal with the Grizzlies, averaging about $9.29 million per season.

• This deal became a central part of his financial growth and set his market worth among starting forwards.

Timberwolves Deal (2022–2024)

• Signed a 2-year, $18 million contract with Minnesota in 2022 — roughly $9 million per year and well-aligned with his established value.

Warriors Contract (2024–2026)

• In 2024, Anderson signed a 3-year, $27 million deal in a sign-and-trade that helped facilitate roster shifts around the league.

• Although the contract value was set, it was subject to buyouts and trades.

Salary Overview & Career Earnings

Across his NBA career, Anderson’s team-salary earnings have included:

• Multiple seasons in the $8–9.9 million range during his peak years with Memphis and Minnesota.

• Annual contracts reflecting his veteran status, capped around $9.2–$9.6 million per season.

According to a salary database, his career earnings total is estimated at over $60 million based on cumulative NBA contract payouts through the 2023-24 season.

Chinese Name & Naturalization

In a surprising and historic turn, Kyle Anderson became the **first naturalized player for the China Men’s Basketball Team in July 2023 — after obtaining **Chinese citizenship for international play.

Chinese Name: Li Kaier (李凯尔)

Upon naturalization, Anderson adopted the Chinese name “李凯尔” (Li Kaier), reflecting both his new citizenship and his family’s historical ties to China.

Background on Naturalization

• Anderson’s maternal great-grandfather was Chinese, providing ancestral roots that helped the naturalization process.

• After completing paperwork and formalities, he met with CBA president Yao Ming — a symbolic moment in Chinese sport.

This move allowed Anderson to represent China in the FIBA Basketball World Cup and other international competitions under FIBA’s naturalized player rules.

Career Earnings Breakdown & Financial Summary

Total Earnings

Kyle Anderson’s NBA contract earnings through the seasons he has played are widely reported at over $60 million.

Here’s a sample of his season salaries:

These represent the core earnings for each season — with significant variations depending on signing bonuses, guarantees, and trade clauses.

Why Kyle Anderson’s Career Is Unique

Kyle Anderson’s career stands out for several reasons:

1. Versatility on the Court

Unlike traditional forwards, Anderson can play multiple roles — from facilitating offense as a point forward to defending larger players.

2. International Impact

Becoming the first naturalized Chinese basketball player with a Chinese name and national team eligibility breaks barriers in international sport.

3. Consistent Contracts

Anderson’s contracts reflect his ascent from a rookie deal to a seasoned NBA veteran earning $9 million+ annually — a testament to his value across franchises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Kyle Anderson’s Chinese name?

A: Kyle Anderson’s Chinese name is 李凯尔 (Li Kaier), which he adopted after becoming a naturalized Chinese citizen.

Q2. How much has Kyle Anderson earned in his NBA career?

A: Kyle Anderson’s cumulative NBA earnings are estimated at over $60 million from his contracts with Spurs, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Warriors, and other teams.

Q3. Which NBA teams has Kyle Anderson played for?

A: Anderson has played for the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Utah Jazz, with multiple trades and sign-and-trades over the years.

Q4. Why is Kyle Anderson playing for team China?

A: Due to his ancestral ties — including a Chinese great-grandfather — and after going through the naturalization process, Anderson became eligible to represent China in international competitions like the FIBA World Cup.

Q5. What position does he play?

A: Anderson primarily plays small forward / power forward, known for his versatility and playmaking.

Final Thoughts

Kyle Anderson’s basketball journey is an excellent example of how perseverance, skill, and cultural connection can shape a unique and impactful career. From his strategic contracts in the NBA to his historic naturalization with China, Anderson continues to make headlines both on and off the court.