BEIJING - The recent speculation about J.R. Smith's possible escape from the CBA could be over as his club, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, confirmed the former Denver Nugget will play the whole 2011-2012 season without opting out of his contract.

The Golden Bulls' general manager, Zhao Bing, released an official statement on Thursday stressing Smith has enjoyed his China sojourn and will stay with the team to the season's end in March.

"He's done a great job adjusting to the lifestyle here and fitting into the system of the team. He's enjoying his time on and off the court and has committed to fulfilling his one-year contract," Zhao said on the team's micro-blog.