NBL Free Agency Tracker: Kings ramp up bid for Matthew Dellavedova, Nathan Sobey signs on for Phoenix

The chances of a United return for Matthew Dellavedova is slim, with the Boomer chasing a long term deal and the Kings have emerged as the frontrunner for his signature. Track every team’s free agency movements.

Matthew Dellavedova wants a three-year NBL deal to help him through to the 2028 LA Olympics and the Sydney Kings are willing to stump up the cash.

The Kings’ bid for Dellavedova is set to ramp up amid revelations the veteran guard could have played his last game for Melbourne United.

It’s understood the four-time Olympian is keen on a long-term contract, but at this point United isn’t prepared to table a multi-year offer.

It’s opened the door for Dellavedova to test to open the market, with the likes of Sydney and Brisbane keen on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA champion.

Matthew Dellavedova wants a long term deal. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Code Sports understands the Kings are particularly interested in luring the 34-year-old guard to the Harbour City to help boost the club’s backcourt.

Dellavedova is viewed as a perfect veteran piece who would provide Sydney with valuable experience and a winning presence, on-and-off the court.

The man nicknamed ‘Delly’ is also a culture changer with his dogged appetite for success, which shows in his meretricious preparation.

Dellavedova showcased this in spades during the recent championship series against the Illawarra Hawks.

He pushed himself so hard a starring in a Game 3 win over the Hawks that he vomited in the sheds post-game.

Dellavedova couldn’t help United win the championship, but he collected the MVP after producing a world-class series.

This high-level form will no doubt help him secure another deal in NBL free agency, which officially starts on Friday.

SEM veteran commits to another year

Veteran Boomers Olympic bronze medallist Nathan Sobey will return for a second season at South East Melbourne.

Club and player, on Monday, agreed to the mutual option on the two-year deal he signed with the Phoenix after a high-profile move from Brisbane.

Sobey, 34, found some of his best form in years during the second half of the season, helping lead the Phoenix to postseason play for just the second time in club history, before they were bounced by eventual NBL champions Illawarra in the semi-finals.

Victorian-born Sobey, who is playing in Puerto Rico this off-season, found new life after six seasons without a playoff appearance.

Nathan Sobey will return to the Phoenix. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

“I’m excited to head back to the Phoenix and continue to build on what we started last season under Josh King,” Sobey said.

“Playing at home, in front of my family and the Phoenix fans of the heartland is something I cherish and I’m really excited to get back and chase that championship next season.”

Appointed co-captain on his arrival at Phoenix HQ, Sobey averaged 17.3 points, 4.5 assists and 4.4 rebounds and played in all 29 regular season games.

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?

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).

Will Sam Froling be a Hawk for NBL26? Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Jack White will explore overseas opportunities. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

MELBOURNE UNITED

- Jack White has declined his 2025/26 player option, with sights on an overseas opportunity.

- Matthew Dellavedova is looking for a long term deal, and the Kings have emerged as the frontrunners.

- Flynn Cameron and the team have mutually declined his option.

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.

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.

Kristian Doolittle re-signs at the Wildcats for another three seasons. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The Phoenix’ offer to Matt Hurt was lower than expected. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

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 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.

Originally published as NBL Free Agency Tracker: Kings ramp up bid for Matthew Dellavedova, Nathan Sobey signs on for Phoenix