Photo: Brooklyn Nets/YouTube

The Brooklyn Nets have officially waived forwards Fanbo Zeng and Malachi Smith, according to the NBA transaction log. The moves come as the team finalizes its roster ahead of the 2025–26 regular season.

Fanbo Zeng, a 6-foot-10 forward from China, joined the Nets in August after a standout career in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) with the Beijing Ducks. Last season, he averaged 14.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 53% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc.

Zeng, once considered China’s top basketball prospect, had brief stints with Gonzaga, NBA G League Ignite, and the Indiana Pacers before returning to the CBA. He appeared in just 10 minutes during Brooklyn’s preseason loss to Phoenix on October 10 in Macao, failing to record a point.

Smith, a guard with experience in the G League, most recently played for the Memphis Hustle. During the 2024–25 season, he averaged 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over 31 games while shooting 53% from the field.

Smith also played with the Wisconsin Herd and Rip City Remix earlier in his career.