NBL free agency tracker: Every player who has signed a new deal and what each club needs to complete their roster ahead of NBL26
The NBL off-season has delivered plenty of bombshells but most NBL clubs still have plenty of work to do to complete their rosters. Here’s a look at every team’s needs.
NBL Scores and News
Don't miss out on the headlines from NBL Scores and News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The NBL off-season has delivered plenty of bombshells, with Kendric Davis’ decision to join Matthew Dellavedova in Sydney blowing the lid off free agency.
So how is your team faring in the chase for talent?
Here’s a look at how every team is placed and where they might be headed as the fight for coveted NBL roster spots intensifies.
Sydney Kings
Open roster spots: 1
Import: 1
With the bombshell signature of Kendric Davis, the Kings have had an ultra-impressive off-season and are likely to fill their last roster spot with a local big man, meaning they’ll have just the one import.
Makuach Maluach is close to re-signing. Matthew Dellavedova, Xavier Cooks and a healthy Bul Kuol should make the Kings the best defensive team in the league and Davis will provide the scoring punch.
Adelaide 36ers
Open roster spots: 4
Import: 3
With a big offer rebuffed by Kendric Davis in favour of Sydney, Adelaide coach Mike Wells has a blank slate to work with in the import space. Expect the Sixers to target a point guard and a four-man who can stretch the floor.
Brisbane Bullets
Open roster spots: 4
Import: 1
Josh Bannan a huge loss but the return of Casey Prather softens the blow. New coach Stu Lash still with big decisions to make, particularly on import guard James Batemon, who is no certainty to return.
Cairns Taipans
Open roster spots: 6
Import: 3
Free agency is always difficult without a coach. Have local favourite Kerry Williams there and ready to go, which would be a popular move, but are yet to make a decision. Taipans still searching for more than half their roster, including three imports.
Illawarra Hawks
Open roster spots: 3
Import: 2
The champions have worked hard on getting the band back together with the entire local core set to run it back, including injured big man Sam Froling, who has agreed to new terms. Import guard Trey Kell remains the priority.
Melbourne United
Open roster spots: 5
Import: 3
Have the space for three imports but Dean Vickerman and Co always get creative. Would love Bryce Cotton in a United jersey. Former New Zealand Breaker Finn Delany has emerged as a target, while Tassie import Milton Doyle is well regarded.
New Zealand Breakers
Open roster spots: 2
Import: 2
Have a near-full roster but the Breakers are still expected to make a number of moves. Veteran guard Mitch McCarron is out, while the Tacko Fall experiment looks over under the Breakers’ new management.
Has been talk the Breakers could go with two imports, with local guard Tai Webster a potential.
Perth Wildcats
Open roster spots: 3
Import: 1
Local defensive dynamo Sunday Dech has returned from Adelaide and the Wildcats are set to unveil another former 36er in Lat Mayen. Squared away the return of imports Dylan Windler and Kristian Doolittle but desperately need a big marquee signing to soften the blow of Bryce Cotton’s exit.
Exciting young guard Ben Henshall remains a big watch, with the potential lure of NIL riches of the NCAA and the possibility of a reunion with his WA U20 Nationals’ gold medal teammate Alex Condon in Florida.
South East Melbourne Phoenix
Open roster spots: 6
Import: 3
The Phoenix are likely to chase three new imports with a point guard and big man the priority. Returned Nathan Sobey early and signed back-up big man Akech Aliir.
Watch on Owen Foxwell, who is exploring the possibility of exiting his contract to make a run at NCAA.
Tasmania JackJumpers
Open roster spots: 3
Local: 0
Import: 3
Locked in one of the best available local free agents in Josh Bannan and have squared away their local contingent. All eyes now on where they head on the import front. It’s understood they’d be keen on a Milton Doyle return — but half the league is keen on the talented two-guard, with Melbourne United’s Dean Vickerman a long-time fan. Diminutive guard Jordon Crawford is less likely to return and mid-season replacement Ian Hummer is already out.
More Coverage
Originally published as NBL free agency tracker: Every player who has signed a new deal and what each club needs to complete their roster ahead of NBL26
Aussie star snubbed for prestigious NBA award
History was always against Dyson Daniels and his hopes of claiming one of the NBA’s top awards, with the Aussie star denied by a Cleveland rival.
‘A crucial step’: WNBL boss breaks silence on ownership battle
After months of negotiation between new ownership and WNBL clubs, CEO Jennie Sager has broken her silence, declaring the next era ‘a crucial step’ in unlocking basketball’s full potential.