NBL free agency: Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Nathan Sobey makes bombshell move from Brisbane Bullets to South East Melbourne Phoenix
Bronzed Boomer Nathan Sobey has left Brisbane with a year to run on his contract and is set for a homecoming. Michael Randall has the exclusive details of the bombshell move.
Basketball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Basketball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Tokyo bronze medallist Nathan Sobey has made a bombshell switch from Brisbane to South East Melbourne — a day after he was named the Bullets’ NBL24 MVP.
This masthead can reveal interest from the Phoenix quickly became viewed as mutually beneficial for all three parties, even though Brisbane had already executed the explosive shooting guard’s team option for next season.
The 33-year-old was seen on Wednesday working out with South East Melbourne coaching staff at the club’s State Basketball Centre home.
He secured his third Leroy Loggins MVP gong at Thursday night’s Bullets’ awards gala.
This masthead has been told Brisbane worked with the Phoenix and Sobey’s representation on a buyout to facilitate the Victorian-born veteran’s homecoming, which brings the father of two young children closer to extended family, in-season, for the first time in a decade.
South East Melbourne had long-coveted the 190cm scoring machine — coming close to securing his signature five years ago. The Phoenix — who can’t make the signing official until free agency opens next month — will get the All-NBL Second-teamer on a one-year deal as part of a planned roster revamp that, on Thursday, confirmed the departure of underperforming WA forward Rhys Vague after injured import Alan Williams and latecomer Abdel Nader were farewelled. The club has also kept the roster spot earmarked for development player Anzac Rissetto open by declining his club option, giving it added flexibility in its build, although the door isn’t closed on the giant Kiwi.
SEM declined to comment.
Sobey’s exit makes sense for the Bullets. Under a new coach in Justin Schueller and new chief executive Mal Watts, the club underwent a huge on-and-off-court shift in NBL24.
Despite clear improvement, the Bullets were unable to sneak into the top-six and that gave management a mandate for change.
After five years in the Sunshine State, Sobey departs amicably as the club’s leading scorer in the 40-minute era (2385), second in rebounds, assists and three-point makes, and third in steals.
“Nathan’s a talented athlete, a great person and we would like to thank him for many years of service to the Bullets,” Watts said.
“We wish Nathan, (wife) CC and the family all the best on their future endeavours and thank them for being a valued part of the club.”
His exit, coupled with Aron Baynes’ marquee contract coming off the books, opens up significant cash and cap space for the Bullets, who — along with just about every other club in the league — are understood to be preparing a big money offer for Brisbane-born New Zealand Breakers point guard William McDowell-White.
McDowell-White is understood to have some hesitancy about a return home and, should he decide against the Bullets, Brisbane can use that war chest to target a high-level import.
Part of the old guard in Brisbane, Sobey carried the Bullets at stages throughout the season, his 20.1 points good enough for fourth in the league — and the second-best output of his career — but he still shot just 27.8 per cent from deep, with the Phoenix set to target high-level shooters to complement he and superstar Mitch Creek.
Warrnambool native Sobey and Horsham-born Creek were teammates in Adelaide and remain friends. Sources said there’s an enthusiasm from both at the chance to play alongside each other.
The move will bring together two of last season’s top-four scorers — and two of the top-six in the 40-minute era — but comes amid speculation Creek would not return to the club for NBL25.
Entering the final year of his deal, the 31-year-old’s contract contains a hefty six-figure buyout clause.
Both player and club are of the mutual understanding only a lucrative offer to stay in China, where he is currently playing for Xinjiang Flying Tigers on a three-month deal, would tempt Creek away from the Phoenix.
More Coverage
Originally published as NBL free agency: Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Nathan Sobey makes bombshell move from Brisbane Bullets to South East Melbourne Phoenix
‘Inappropriate grabbing’: Charges flow after spectator brawl
Big penalties loom for two NBL imports after being charged for grabbing at fans during an eye-popping incident in Melbourne last weekend.
Revealed: Homophobic remarks towards 36ers star player
Homophobic slurs against a 36ers star will form part of the team’s submission to the NBL alleging fans made the disgusting remarks during Sunday’s explosive clash against Melbourne United.