How Matthew Dellavedova’s future could pave way for a bombshell move for out of contract Bryce Cotton
At least two clubs are preparing bids for Matthew Dellavedova, opening the door for a seismic Melbourne United move for Bryce Cotton, akin to the NBL’s own LeBron James-Luka Doncic moment
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Melbourne United’s Matthew Dellavedova looms as the subject of an NBL free agency bidding war which could open the door for his club to execute a bombshell move for MVP Bryce Cotton.
Multiple sources told Code Sports Sydney and South East Melbourne are set to go to war for the services of out-of-contract former NBA man Dellavedova after the NBL grand final series.
Dellavedova has parked contract talks while he focuses on his pursuit of a maiden NBL title with United, but the prospect of a “Delly” departure would then pave the way for United to attempt a league-shaking move for Perth Wildcats’ superstar Cotton.
The swirling free agency speculation, which also includes a lowball initial offer from Illawarra to star centre Sam Froling, adds a fascinating layer to the best-of-five championship series between the Hawks and United, ahead of Saturday night’s game one tip-off in Wollongong.
United has remained a potential destination for five-time NBL MVP Cotton ever since his agency broached the idea with the club during last July’s NBA Summer League.
United insiders have privately salivated at the prospect of bringing together Cotton and Chris Goulding – two of the country’s greatest ever shooters.
Goulding (6881) and Cotton (5959) are the No.1 and No.3 scorers in the 40-minute era – and one-two in three-point makes (Goulding 1294, Cotton 765).
It would make for one of the most potent offensive pairings in NBL history and, while not quite on the same level, would be comparable in scale to the LA Lakers’ seismic recent move to pair Lebron James with former Dallas superstar Luka Doncic.
Amid reports he’s looking for a long-term deal that will take him to the 2028 LA Olympics, Dellavedova has played a straight bat to questions about his future, focusing on United’s quest to atone for last year’s grand final heartbreak.
But multiple sources confirmed to Code Sports the Kings and Phoenix will likely be in a two-horse race for the Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist’s services.
Dellavedova, along with Adelaide’s superstar import Kendric Davis, has emerged on the Kings’ radar as a point guard target.
The 34-year-old has had a long association with Kings coach Brian Goorjian, partnering with the master mentor on the Boomers’ historic 2021 “Rose Gold” Olympic run and then again last year in Paris.
The Kings endured well-publicised chemistry issues in a campaign that ended in elimination at the hands of Adelaide.
Dellavedova’s experience and calming influence would be a welcome addition to Kings as they attempt to shift their culture.
Delly’s hard knocks approach to the game and remarkable rise from undrafted rookie out of country Victoria to NBA champion would also fit well with the Phoenix’s culture.
Some sources believe Cotton could still chase a lucrative contract in Japan or China and he does have an offer in front of him from the Wildcats that would make him the highest-paid player in NBL history.
While it’s unlikely United would match a deal in the vicinity of, say, $1.2 million-plus per season, there are other ways the 32-year-old could top up his salary.
Code Sports has been told there is the potential for a cut of his jersey sales – everyone in Perth’s got a Wildcats No.11, but his United jersey would be the hottest of property – as well as other endorsement deals.
The NBL ensured Adelaide’s former NBA man Montrezl Harrell’s purse was topped up with a bump from apparel brand Reebok and, while there has been mixed messaging from the league as to whether it would be open to facilitating something similar for Cotton, it is not outside the realm of possibility.
Another big drawcard for United is the potential for broadcast work that would set Cotton up post-basketball.
Over the past two years, particularly on Perth television, Cotton has ramped up his appearances and opened up to media more than in he had in the previous seven years combined.
The NBL’s head office and majority of its media base is in Melbourne, including its studios. With a new broadcast deal imminent, the prospect of an expanded free-to-air offering would open up more doors.
If Cotton wants to maximise media opportunities and exposure, Melbourne is the only choice.
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Originally published as How Matthew Dellavedova’s future could pave way for a bombshell move for out of contract Bryce Cotton
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