Free agent Daniel Orton has signed with Sichuan of the Chinese Basketball Association and is set to replace Metta World Peace on the permanent roster, sources told RealGM.

Orton formally signed his lucrative contract with Sichuan under the plan of finishing the Chinese season alongside fellow American import Mike Efevberha, who is leading the club in points (26.4), rebounds (8.1), assists (2.5) and blocks (.86) per game.

After signing a rich deal in the CBA last offseason, World Peace has averaged 19.6 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 42 percent from the field over 13 games for Sichuan. World Peace, a 15-year NBA veteran and a one-time All-Star, had hoped to return to the league once his season in China ended.

World Peace has received scheduled treatment on his knee to improve its fitness and will only miss a little time, a source told RealGM.

Orton, a first round pick in the 2010 NBA draft out of Kentucky, has played three NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers. The 6-foot-10 big man averaged 2.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 51 games.

Orton, 24, went to training camp with the Washington Wizards in October, before requesting his release to sign a temporary deal with Shanxi in China.