NBL Free Agency Tracker: Every team’s movements ahead of NBL26
24 hours post Matthew Dellavedova’s departure, Melbourne United has locked in their star DPOY for another two years. Click for all the NBL free agency news.
NBL Scores and News
Don't miss out on the headlines from NBL Scores and News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A day after it emerged veteran star Matthew Dellavedova and young gun Flynn Cameron would depart, Melbourne United has moved quickly to hit back in free agency, locking in reigning back-to-back NBL Defensive Player of the Year Shea Ili’s return.
The 32-year-old Kiwi dynamo has inked a two-year deal that will take him through an eighth season at the club.
With Dellavedova set to sign a long-term deal in Sydney and Cameron signed on for three years at Adelaide, Ili’s return was a priority for coach Dean Vickerman.
“He’s … someone that values everyone around them at the club. To lock in that sort of culture fit is essential to us continuing to get better,” Vickerman said of his 2021 NBL championship charge.
“We know just how important it is to have a back-court player that can really defend at a high level.
“There are so many talented guards coming into this league and to be able to have a counter to them is so beneficial, and that’s what he brings.
“At the other end, the pace that he plays the game at generates so many open shots for his teammates.”
United now has a springboard to retool around pillars Ili and Chris Goulding as it seeks to get over the grand final hump, following a second straight heartbreaking game-five defeat.
“I’m here to do my part, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help us win a championship,” Ili said.
“The organisation has done an amazing job over the years at putting us in a position to contend and, as a player, knowing that we’ll have a team committed to winning and being great off the court is invaluable.
“My family and I love Melbourne; two of my three girls were born here, so it truly feels like our home away from home.”
Ili produced his finest individual season in NBL25, setting career highs in points (10.9), assists (4.7) and steals (1.3) on his way to a second Damian Martin Trophy. The concussion he suffered in game two of the grand final series that forced him out of games three and four proved a major blow to the club’s title hopes.
Delly’s new home confirmed
The Delly NBL free agency domino has fallen with Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Matthew Dellavedova agreeing to join former Boomers mentor Brian Goorjian in Sydney on a multi-year deal.
CODE Sports first revealed the Kings were willing to meet Dellavedova’s request for a long-term, high-priced deal that would take him through to the 2028 LA Olympics.
Prior to Melbourne’s NBL grand final series with Illawarra, the 34-year-old played a straight bat to questions around his future.
But with United hesitant to meet his price, sources said Goorj swooped on the chance to sign the veteran point guard.
The 2016 NBA champion spent two of the past three seasons in the NBL with United, which sandwiched an NBA return in Sacramento.
After United fell agonisingly short of the title in a five-game thriller against the Hawks, Dellavedova now takes his quest for NBL glory to the Harbour City, partnering with former NBL MVP Xavier Cooks and dogged guard Bul Kuol in what looms as one of the best defensive combinations in the league.
Dellavedova’s name was the biggest outside of Bryce Cotton on the free agency radar and his decision to spurn the likes of Perth and Brisbane will now open the door to more movement in what had so far been a lacklustre signing period.
Melbourne now has a war chest to chase talent to surround star shooter Chris Goulding, with Adelaide emerging as the favourite to woo tough Kiwi guard Flynn Cameron, who is seeking a new home where he can spread his ultra-talented wings in the wake of much-hyped Next Star Dyson Daniels arrival at United.
ADELAIDE 36ERS
- Despite Adelaide’s strong pitch and desire to re-sign Kendric Davis, the star declined the offer.
- Without Davis, it’s looking more unlikely that Montrezl Harrell returns, but could he find a home elsewhere in the NBL?
- The 36ers have signed Flynn Cameron (Melbourne United) to a long term deal.
- Michael Harris (Perth Wildcats) also joins Adelaide on a two year deal.
BRISBANE BULLETS
- Josh Bannan opted out of his player option, with United and JackJumpers interested in the power forward. Melbourne-born, but a perfect fit for Tasmania.
CAIRNS TAIPANS
- After a career best season, Sam Waardenburg has extended his contract another year.
- Kyron Galloway’s mutual option confirmed.
- Alex Higgins-Titsha promoted from development player to the full roster for NBL26.
ILLAWARRA HAWKS
- Hawks fans will be desperate for a Trey Kell III return for NBL26, and although there is mutual interest, with Kell’s price tag on the rise, will he find the opportunity elsewhere?
- The Hawks made a lowball offer to star big man Sam Froling, with alternate options sure to be on the cards. However, he’ll be on the mend all off-season rehabbing his injury obtained in game four of the NBL finals.
- Mason Peatling who has signed a new 2-year deal to remain with NBL champions Illawarra, Code Sports understands. Peatling’s shift into the Hawks’ starting lineup after the FIBA break was a masterstroke, the unselfish workhorse a key cog in his team’s remarkable run to the title.The Hawks went 18-8 with Peatling in the starting five (13-5 in the regular season).
MELBOURNE UNITED
- Jack White has declined his 2025/26 player option, with sights on an overseas opportunity.
- Shea Ili is confirmed to return to United, joining Kyle Bowen to sign on for two more years.
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
- Star import Parker Jackson Cartwright quickly left NZ when their season wrapped for international ball, and all eyes will be on when he returns.
- Reuben Te Rangi joins NZ on a two year deal.
PERTH WILDCATS
- The biggest free agency call of them all, 5x NBL MVP Bryce Cotton announced he will not return to the Wildcats, but the door has been left open to a return to the NBL.
- Superstar Kristian Doolittle extends his contract for three more seasons, while 500 NBL gamer, Jesse Wagstaff is set for a 17th campaign.
- After an impressive season, the Wildcats have agreed to Elijah Pepper’s team option for next season.
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
- A game changer for the Phoenix across NBL25, but Matt Hurt could be on the move. SEM reportedly offered a one year deal, less than expected for the import.
- Derrick Walton Jnr is one to watch for Phoenix fans next season.
- Rising star Owen Foxwell could be lured to the USA college system.
SYDNEY KINGS
- The Kings have signed Matthew Dellavedova on a multi-year deal.
- The King’s million dollar man, Xavier Cooks is on a wellbeing plan set by the club after his doping one month ban.
- Alex Toohey has declared for the NBA Draft.
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
- Anthony Drmic commits for another year, picking up the second-year team option.
- The JackJumpers declined Gorjak Gak’s second-year team option.
- JackJumpers recruit Nick Marshall (Adelaide) on a two year deal.
More Coverage
Originally published as NBL Free Agency Tracker: Every team’s movements ahead of NBL26
Lessons from LeBron has Delly primed to defy Father Time
Boomers star Matthew Dellavedova is using lessons passed down to him by ageless NBA legend LeBron James as he looks to extend his career into his late 30s.
‘Shouldn’t be touched’: Giddey launches to NBL’s defence
As the threat of an unprecedented courtroom battle looms large Australia’s biggest basketball star has dished out a withering assessment of Jared Novelly’s hostile bid to take over the NBL.