Taipei: Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga, a two-time regular season MVP in the former T1 League, has signed a five-year contract with the New Taipei CTBC DEA, with annual pay estimated to surpass NT$20 million (US$678,081). The pact guarantees the first three years, with mutual options for the final two, DEA general manager Liu Zhi-wei revealed at a player presentation news conference for Gadiaga in Taipei. According to Focus Taiwan, while the exact contract amount was not disclosed, Liu described Gadiaga's annual salary as "eight figures" and "close to that of top Chinese Basketball Association players who have played overseas." The DEA is part of the seven-team Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL), which began its first season in December 2024. Liu stated that the deal allows for the possibility of Gadiaga returning to play overseas. "As long as it benefits him and he's willing, we'll help evaluate the league's competitiveness, regulations, and other factors it's open to discussion," Liu said. Sources f amiliar with the matter expect Gadiaga's annual salary to be around NT$25 million, second only to Jeremy Lin's contract with the New Taipei Kings, DEA's cross-town rivals. Gadiaga, aged 27, previously played three seasons with the DEA in the T1 League, securing MVP honors in 2023 and 2024 before joining the Akita Northern Happinets in Japan's B.LEAGUE. During the 2024-25 season, he started 38 out of 58 games and averaged 10 points per game, shooting 39 percent from the field. The DEA missed the playoffs for the first time since the team's founding in 2021. Gadiaga reflected on his year in Japan, stating it helped him improve his game, particularly in reading the game and shooting decisions, skills he aims to showcase back in Taiwan. His return to Taiwan was influenced by his bond with the team and the local environment. "After all, I was with the DEA for three years. We know each other well, so I believe I can fit in quickly," Gadiaga noted, mentioning that fans in Taiwan frequently attend his games. Eager for the upcoming season, Gadiaga expressed excitement about facing Lin on the court and is enthusiastic about contributing to the DEA's success.