Yi Jianlian (易建聯(lián))

   Sport: basketball

2011 earning: US$7.8 million

2010 ranking: 2

After Yao Ming's retirement, Yi Jianlian becomes the only Chinese basketball player currently active in the NBA. Born in October 1987, Yi was recruited into the Chinese national basketball team in 2004. In the following year, he became the youngest MVP in the Chinese Basketball Association.

In the 2007 NBA Draft, Yi was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks as the sixth overall pick. In June 2008, Yi was traded to the New Jersey Nets, and then transferred to the Washington Wizards in 2010. On Jan. 6, 2012, Yi was signed by the Dallas Mavericks for a one-year contract.