Former Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks set to sign in Japan after having his NBA stint cut short

Just weeks after being cut by the Washington Wizards, former NBL MVP Xavier Cooks has secured a big new move – but he won’t be coming back to the Sydney Kings.

Former Sydney Kings star and NBL MVP Xavier Cooks has signed a deal with the Chiba Jets in Japan’s B League, just weeks after being waived by the Washington Wizards.

Code Sports understands Cooks will announce a contract with the Japanese club in the coming days – and will use the franchise as a launch pad back to the NBA.

The 28-year-old will be a fan favourite in Japan following his exploits for the Australian Boomers at this year’s World Cup.

It’s understood several NBL clubs made pitches to bring the 2023 MVP back to the Australian league but the Ballarat-born Boomer has knocked back those opportunities in favour of the Japanese club.

Cooks was brilliant for the Boomers, especially in the group game against the Japanese when he dominated with 24 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks.

Cooks’ time with the Washington Wizards was short-lived. Picture: Getty

The gifted forward signed a four-year deal worth $6.1 million with Washington in March, just days after guiding the Kings to back-to-back NBL championships.

Cooks made his NBA debut the next day, recording two rebounds in five minutes against the Sacramento Kings.

He played 10 games for the Wizards in the 2022/2023 NBA season, averaging 3.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 12.6 minutes.

Cooks was hoping to take another step with Washington, but he was cut a day before the start of the new NBA season.

He will retain the $2.6 million he was set to earn this season.

The Wizards confirmed Cooks’ departure with the release of their 18-man roster for the first match of the season in October, against the Indiana Pacers.

Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr increased Cooks’ minutes when it became clear his side would not qualify for the post-season and the Australian finished the campaign with 10 appearances.

Cooks, 28, featured heavily in the Wizards’ Summer League campaign in July, averaging 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds from 20.7 minutes per game.

He will now focus on Japan as preparation for next year’s Paris Olympics with the Boomers.

Originally published as Former Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks set to sign in Japan after having his NBA stint cut short