NBL free agency and signing news 2023: Every club’s roster and moves as they happen
NBL free agency is fast approaching and we have the latest intel on every move that may or may not be made, including a battle between the Bullets and United to secure one young gun.
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With around 50 free agents, including six of the 10 All-NBL players and a Perth Wildcats NBA draftee set to hit the open market, Australian basketball’s silly season is about to hit fever pitch.
League MVP Xavier Cooks inked a four-year NBA deal and fellow first-teamer and finals MVP Derrick Walton Jr is also off-contract, leaving the back-to-back champion Sydney Kings with a huge void to fill.
Tassie first-teamer Milton Doyle is a coveted name, while United’s three-point artist Chris Goulding is the only All-NBL Second-teamer under contract heading into the league’s March 30 free agency tip-off.
Cairns pair Keanu Pinder — the league’s Most Improved Player — and DJ Hogg, along with NZ combo Dererk Pardon and Barry Brown Jr — Sixth Man of the Year — are also ripe for the picking.
Breakers star point guard William McDowell-White is the most-coveted name in free agency, with a number of clubs, including Brisbane, New Zealand, South East Melbourne, Perth and Tasmania hoping to secure his services — although, as the price goes up, some of those teams will drop out of the running.
And United has made a bold bid to poach Cleveleand Cavaliers NBA draft pick Luke Travers away from Perth Wildcats.
Clubs and players have until midday AEDT on Monday, March 27, to decide on contract options before free agency lists are distributed by the league the next day at 9am AEDT. The signing period then kicks off at 9am Thursday.
Basketball writer Michael Randall has spoken with league sources all over Australia to provide the latest intel on every club leading into free agency.
MELBOURNE UNITED
Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman has laughed off rumours next season would be his last at the helm of the club he’s led to two NBL titles.
The rumour mill went into overdrive — fuelled by Sydney Kings owner Andrew Bogut on a recent episode of his Rogue Bogues podcast — that Vickerman would seek riches on the sidelines in the lucrative Chinese league, following NBL24.
“I heard from the rumour mill this is Vickerman’s last season. One more season and then going to Asia, from what I hear, so that’s the mail I’ve got, one more year for Vickerman,” Bogut said.
But Vickerman says it’s scuttlebutt, revealing he and the club are in talks on an extension to his contract, which is up at the end of next season.
“We’re in discussions here at the club to extend,” Vickerman told News Corp.
“We’ll see how that progresses, but yeah, I love my time here and I’d like to continue as long as possible.”
COACH: Dean Vickerman
CONTRACTED: Chris Goulding, Shea Ili,
OUT-OF-CONTRACT/NO DECISION MADE: Zac Triplett (DP, Team Option), Brad Newley, David Barlow, Mason Peatling, David Okwera, Isaac Humphries, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Makuach Maluach, Marcus Lee, Rayjon Tucker, Lachlan Barker, Malith Machar (DP, Team Option), Joshua Duach (DP, Team Option), Ariel Hukporti (Next Star)
WHAT WE KNOW
After his toughest season at the helm of United, where the club missed the finals for the first time under his reign, Dean Vickerman lost a wealth of IP in right hand man Justin Schueller and assistant Darryl McDonald, who both headed to Brisbane. Last man standing assistant Rhys Carter has the chops to step up, while veteran basketball savant David Barlow is a no-brainer to transition from the court to the coaching staff — it almost happened last year until he answered a late SOS to fill United’s last roster spot.
Vickerman was spotted at last weekend’s NBL1 Blitz with former assistant Simon Mitchell — who recently vacated South East Melbourne’s head coaching role — and he would be a good fit — but it’s understood the club will advertise for a third assistant.
United, with only two contracted players in Chris Goulding and Shea Ili, will be big players in this year’s free agency period, with Cleveland Cavaliers draft pick Luke Travers a name mentioned to News Corp on Wednesday morning as a target.
Melbourne wants Perth native Travers, who is highly-regarded by the Wildcats. A change of scenery at United’s fertile NBA breeding ground could help the 21-year-old make the necessary improvements to step up to the big league.
Intrigue surrounds the big man department. News Corp revealed earlier this year Next Star Ariel Hukporti had committed to coming back and the club is certain to re-sign the uber-talented big man after its medicos worked with the German to rehabilitate the Achilles he ruptured in pre-season.
Aussie big Isaac Humphries and late-arriving import Marcus Lee filled the void left by Hukporti but, with the name Jo Lual-Acuil Jr Jr continually popping up, there might not be space for either.
The Vickerman favourite was an MVP finalist in NBL22 and is said to have made anywhere between $1.5-2.5 million in China, depending on who you speak to. But United is home for the 28-year-old and his family is in Melbourne, giving rise to hope that, if he doesn’t secure an NBA roster spot over the summer or take another fat pay cheque in Asia, he could be back at Hoop City for NBL24 — he spent a week with the group during Chinese New Year and it was like he never left.
Humphries, still just 25, has his best ahead of him, but is unlikely to return to United. He will be in high demand — and command a big-money deal — given his size, ability and durability. He played 23 of a possible 28 games, following almost two years out of the game, led the league in blocked shots and is of the highest character.
Humphries’ good mate Lee, if Lual-Acuil Jr isn’t an option, makes sense as a back-up to Hukporti, who will be given ample opportunity to make the starting centre role his own.
Montana University standout Josh Bannan is a name at the top of United’s list of recruits. The club sees the third-year standout on a similar trajectory to Jack White. The 22-year-old is a Melbourne local who has trained with United during college off-seasons and, while he still has another year of eligibility, it’s likely he returns home. United will have some competition for the smooth-moving 208cm, 101kg forward, who projects to be an immediate rotation player in the NBL.
Bannan’s game is so versatile. He’s a huge mismatch in that he has great handles and playmaking ability that make it difficult for bigger forwards to stay in front of him, while he’s too big for smaller forwards to handle on the block. He shot 40 per cent on his threes this year — but only on two attempts per game. Once the St Kevin’s College product develops that consistently, it’s over.
Josh Bannan’s And1 from Thursdays game vs Weber st. With the game he joined the 1000 point club. pic.twitter.com/JVwwiqzqQk
— ð˜Šð˜°ð˜¥ð˜º ð˜ð˜ªð˜µð˜¤ð˜©ð˜¤ð˜°ð˜¤ð˜¬ (@Codyscreatives) January 14, 2023
Workhorse forward Mason Peatling, a beloved figure at Melbourne, is attracting outside interest. Illawarra has been mentioned as a potential destination for Peatling, who bleeds United, but could attract more money, a longer contract and a bigger role elsewhere.
Potent scoring point guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes, currently tearing it up in Turkey, will be back in Australia, with several clubs interested — including United — while it’s unclear what’s next for excitement machine Rayjon Tucker. After a slow start, Tucker transformed his game to become one of the best imports in the league and loved his time in Australia. He’s returned to the US, but is understood to have made the decision not play in the G League. He wants to return to the NBA but both United and player have interest in a return, while other clubs would look at one of the most athletic players ever to set foot on an NBL court.
News Corp has been told selfless, defensive-minded forward Tanner Krebs will leave Brisbane and he fits the Dean Vickerman mould, while emerging Melbourne-born guards Ben Ayre (Cairns) and Isaac White (Tasmania) are also names United will look at.
United would love to have young David Okwera, still just 20, return. But the high-potential ‘Slim Reaper Jr’ has suitors and, if and when the penny drops, the potential to be a star in the league. His role at United would be dependant on what happens in free agency, with Makuach Maluach also set to test his value on the open market.
Evergreen wing Brad Newley isn’t a certainty to return, but the recently-turned 38-year-old could fill a need in the lead up to the season with a veteran presence, given the potential for both Chris Goulding and Shea Ili to be away on World Cup duties.
The club will recontract ‘CG-lite’ Zac Triplett, but is mulling whether to upgrade him to the full roster or have him continue as a development player. Malith Machar has made a stronger impression than fellow development player Josh Duach in his time at United and owns the inside running on a return.
BRISBANE BULLETS
It’s no secret out-of-contract New Zealand Breaker Will McDowell-White is at the top of the Brisbane Bullets’ free agency big board.
New coach Justin Schueller has links to the 24-year-old and believes the Queensland native can use the Bullets as a stepping stone to the NBA.
“Point guard’s a priority for us,” Schueller told News Corp.
“Will’s a Queensland kid, his family is all in Queensland and he and I have history together through the junior national team space,” Schueller said.
“We feel we can provide the best possible environment for him to go to another level and we see our program as a moving-through piece.
“We would want Will to come to us with the view to progressing on to either the NBA or higher levels.”
Schueller was an assistant coach at Melbourne United when the likes of Jack White and Jock Landale transitioned to the big league.
It’s understood, with big-money Aussies Aron Baynes and Nate Sobey on the books, the Bullets’ offer won’t be quite as lucrative as some others, which News Corp has been told will start at $450k — and go up from there.
“We feel pretty good about it but, ultimately, it’s going to come own to what he really wants,” Schueller said.
“We’ll put a good offer to him.”
COACH: Justin Schueller (New, two-year deal)
CONTRACTED: Tyrell Harrison (re-signed, two-year deal), Nathan Sobey, Aron Baynes, DJ Mitchell (Team Option Executed),
DEPARTING: Lual Diing (DP, Team Option declined)
OUT-OF-CONTRACT/NO DECISION MADE: Jason Cadee, Tanner Krebs, Tyler Johnson, Kody Stattmann, Gorjok Gak, Andrew White, Harry Froling, Rasmus Bach (NRP), Matt Johns (DP)
WHAT WE KNOW
News Corp was told on Friday the Bullets will make a play for in-demand sharpshooter Isaac White, who impressed as a development player in Tasmania. The 24-year-old will get calls from a number of clubs, with Tasmania mulling retaining him and Melbourne United interested, while Adelaide will consider bringing the Sacred Heart product home.
Will McDowell-White aside, Schueller has already retained key targets Tyrell Harrison and DJ Mitchell.
The Bullets will battle Melbourne United for the services of young forward Josh Bannan.
Bannan, who has spent three years at Montana College, is tipped to return home, with the Bullets ranking the 22-year-old alongside McDowell-White as their 1a and 1b priorities.
The Victorian played under Schueller in the U17 Australian team and it’s understood the Bullets see him as a building block for the future.
Adding to the intrigue, it pits former United assistant Schueller against his mentor Dean Vickerman.
The club has privately conceded it won’t be able to offer the money defensive-minded wing Tanner Krebs will get in the open market, with his native Tasmania, Illawarra and Melbourne United among the clubs set to battle it out for his services.
But son-of-a-gun Flynn Cameron is an intriguing prospect for the Bullets. The Queensland local is New Zealand basketball icon Pero Cameron’s son and has completed his college career at UC Riverside.
The 196cm guard stuffed the stat sheet at UC Riverside and fits Schueller’s plan to recruit young locals with the potential to step in and make an impact from day dot.
Fellow Queenslander Elijah Pepper was also a name on the Bullets’ list of young targets, but he has told the club he will return to the UC Davis Aggies.
Out-of-contract JackJumpers guard Isaac White has multiple suitors but the Bullets are keen to lure him north.
Defensive reinforcements are high on the menu and Sam McDaniel, who opted out at
Tasmania, is one player likely to land in Brisbane. He played under Schueller at United.
Big centre Gorjok Gak is gone, with Perth the frontrunner and South East Melbourne set to throw its hat in the ring.
While late-coming American Andrew White is unlikely to be back, fellow import Tyler Johnson is an interesting case. The Bullets have not closed the door on the former Miami Heat guard, who had a slow start to his time in the NBL, but got better as the season wore on.
Much-loved veteran Aussie point guard Jason Cadee will test free agency and News Corp has been told Illawarra has expressed interest.
Harry Froling is still recovering from the sickening one-punch attack that left him with a fractured skull and his immediate future is unclear, given his injuries, while Rasmus Bach is unlikely to return and will test free agency. Schueller knows development player Matt Johns well, having coached him at Geelong Supercats and it’s understood the club will bring him back.
Fellow DP Lual Diing’s team option has been declined by the club, so he will go to free agency, while the club will offer Cody Stattman a contract — but it may not be on the full roster, with a development player role more-suited to what he has shown so far.
SYDNEY KINGS
COACH: Chase Buford
CONTRACTED: Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Shaun Bruce, Jaylin Galloway (re-signed, 3-year deal), Kouat Noi (Mutual Option exercised), Angus Glover (re-signed, 2-year deal)
DEPARTING: Xavier Cooks (NBA)
OUT-OF-CONTRACT/NO DECISION MADE: Jackson Makoi (DP, Team Option) Tim Soares, Derrick Walton Jr, Justin Simon, Ignatius Mitchell (DP), Archie Woodhill (DP), Isaac Gattorna (DP)
WHAT WE KNOW
Back-to-back Most Improved Player Keanu Pinder continues to firm as the man most-likely to replace league MVP Xavier Cooks as the Kings reload for a tilt at a three-peat under coach Chase Buford.
The athletic Taipans’ big has emerged as a star of the league and, were it not for injury, might have pushed Cooks in the MVP race.
News Corp has also been told the Kings are a live chance of nabbing a Taipans’ double, with ultra-talented import DJ Hogg also mentioned as a target.
There is huge interest in Buford’s future. Right now, the super coach is gearing up for a tilt at a three-peat in his first three years at the helm, but is certain to field offers from abroad — he has close NBA ties.
The Kings have inked young gun Jaylin Galloway to a three-year deal and owner Paul Smith called grand final hero Angus Glover a “King for life” — expect those two parties to come to terms. It’s likely rejuvenated Kouat Noi and the club will agree on his mutual option for NBL24.
Big Brazilian Tim Soares is unlikely to return, while News Corp has been told there is mutual interest in a return for defensive stud Justin Simon — who might have considered himself stiff to lose out in the grand final MVP race to Derrick Walton Jr.
The Kings would love to have Walton Jr back, but he will command big dollars overseas that might price them out.
Sydney has a quartet of out-of-contract development players to mull over.
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
COACH: Vacant
CONTRACTED: Mitch Creek, Alan Williams (re-signed two-year extension), Owen Foxwell (re-signed two-year DP upgrade), Reuben Te Rangi, Anzac Rissetto (re-signed DP)
DEPARTING: Simon Mitchell (coach)
OUT-OF-CONTRACT/NO DECISION MADE: Junior Madut (Team Option), Dane Pineau, Kyle Adnam, Ryan Broekhoff, Gary Browne, Trey Kell, Grant Anticevich, Tohi Smith-Milner, Zhou Qi
WHAT WE KNOW
South East Melbourne has long been enamoured with Will McDowell-White, but it’s likely the star point guard will command money that will price the Phoenix out. One NBL source said the 24-year-old grand finalist’s value was “astronomical”, starting at $450k per season and rising from there — over multiple years.
The Phoenix, having already inked young tyro Owen Foxwell to a two-year deal, are understood to be focusing on surrounding key pieces Mitch Creek and Alan Williams with defensive-minded talent. News Corp has been told the Phoenix have strong interest in Cairns dynamo Bul Kuol, who would fit the bill — Some considered Kuol stiff to be excluded from the top three in this season’s Defensive Player of the Year race.
The club is said to have interest in pairing the former Rookie of the Year with departing Brisbane Bullets’ big Gorjok Gak, but Perth is the frontrunner for the 211cm, 26-year-old centre’s services.
Oft-injured star forward Ryan Broekhoff and wife Katie are expecting their second child soon. The former Dallas Maverick is taking some time off as he continues to prepare for life after basketball with a new Hoops City franchise in Carrum Downs. The 32-year-old quashed retirement rumours toward the end of last season and the club has expressed a desire to re-sign the Mayor of Frankston.
It’s understood rival clubs have made approaches to second-year guard Junior Madut, who has a team option, but it’s believed he will go to free agency.
Co-Captain Kyle Adnam will also test his value, as will big man Dane Pineau, young forward Grant Anticevich and veteran Kiwi Tohi Smith-Milner.
The Phoenix have interest in re-signing imports Trey Kell and Gary Browne, but are understood to be in a holding pattern as they seek to lock in a new coach. That’s expected to happen before the March 30 free agency tip-off. News Corp, earlier this week, revealed former NBL Coach of the Year Aaron Fearne is on a short-list of four candidates for the job. Five-time Perth Wildcats NBL champion Trevor Gleeson, an early favourite, is understood to be out of the running, given his contractual obligations to Toronto.
ADELAIDE 36ERS
COACH: CJ Bruton
CONTRACTED: Nick Marshall (three-year DP upgrade), Sunday Dech, Antonius Cleveland, Kyrin Galloway, Mitch McCarron, Robert Franks
DEPARTING: Kai Sotto (Club declined Team Option), Anthony Drmic (Mutual Option declined),
OUT-OF-CONTRACT/NO DECISION MADE: Daniel Johnson, Hyrum Harris, Deng Acouth, Ian Clark, Cameron Thew (DP), Fiston Ipassou (DP), Fraser Roxburgh (DP)
WHAT WE KNOW
Adelaide guard Mitch McCarron has spoken out about persistent rumours the 36ers had attempted to find another club to take on the last year of his contract.
Multiple sources, earlier this month, told News Corp, the club, in a bid to clear cap space, was willing to move the 30-year-old NBL champion it signed from Melbourne United on a lucrative three-year deal.
Sixers’ boss Nic Barbato has vehemently denied the reports and McCarron, on Wednesday, in a club-released story, said he was “locked in” with the Sixers.
“There was a lot of talk going around of people on the move and what the clubs were doing, but that didn’t come from me,” McCarron told the club’s website.
“I was contracted, I signed a three-year deal and I planned on staying.
“My family loves Adelaide. Obviously, I’d love to have some better results moving forward and I’d love to be part of that.”
Intrigue surrounds import Robert Franks with the club playing a waiting game on the gifted 201cm forward.
It’s understood Franks will have another crack at the NBA in the summer or seek a big-money deal overseas, with the Sixers not yet certain he will return.
Despite some reports Franks’ second year involves an option, both the club and NBL confirmed the former Orlando Magic stretch four is fully contracted for next season and would need to be bought out of that deal, should an overseas club want his services.
NBL Defensive Player of the Year Antonius Cleveland is far more likely to return, saying at the NBL awards he planned to be in Adelaide for NBL24.
Four-hundred game legend Daniel Johnson, 34, has been told by the club to test free agency in what is a likely end to a long relationship dating back to 2010.
News Corp has been told the club favours an import point guard, which would preclude Ian Clark from a return — if he was interested.
Anthony Drmic knocked back the club’s offer and he will go to free agency, Tasmania and Illawarra among the teams who will engage the reinvigorated three-and-D wing.
Hyrum Harris and Deng Acouth are more likely to enter free agency, while development player Fiston Ipassou is set to enter the US college system. Fellow young guns Fraser Roxburgh and Cameron Thew are playing a waiting game.
ILLAWARRA HAWKS
The Illawarra Hawks will look to re-enter the Next Stars fold in NBL24, hoping to emulate the success of the likes of LaMelo Ball and Justinian Jessup.
Hawks coach Jacob Jackomas told News Corp ownership had committed to bringing in a young NBA prospect as the club attempts to bounce back from a disastrous NBL23 campaign.
“We felt we had a great experience with the last Next Star in Justinian and, while players like him don’t always come around in regard to his experience and ability, we feel, for the Illawarra, it adds a bit of prestige and a spotlight on the region and interest in our team,” Jackomas said.
“What happened here with LaMelo was great and, while trying to funnel that with winning is a balancing act, we’ve already got two imports locked in, along with Sam Froling.
“A Next Star is a really good fit for us and it’s exciting to also be able to help a young guy develop while trying to win basketball games.”
COACH: Jacob Jackomas
CONTRACTED: Sam Froling, Will Hickey (re-signed, two-year deal), Dan Grida (re-signed, two-year deal), Tyler Harvey, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Justin Robinson (re-signed, one-year deal),
DEPARTING: Tim Coenraad (retired),
OUT-OF-CONTRACT/NO DECISION MADE: Alex Mudronja (Team Option), Akoldah Gak,
Michael Frazier II, Mangok Mathiang, Deng Deng, Harry Morris (DP), Lachlan Dent (DP), Peyton Siva, Kevin White (NRP)
WHAT WE KNOW
Jacob Jackomas second year at the helm has begun with the re-signing of several key players, including import point guard Justin Robinson to partner star Tyler Harvey in the back-court.
The Hawks’ first season post-Brian Goorjian began with Robinson tearing his meniscus in the their opener and ended with replacement imports Peyton Siva and Michael Fraser injured.
Jackomas has won praise in basketball circles, despite the club’s 3-25 record and, with Dan Grida and Will Hickey also re-signing, the Hawks bring back a solid core that also features Aussie star Sam Froling.
News Corp has been told veteran point guard Jason Cadee is a target, with his time in Brisbane likely over, while United’s Mason Peatling is another player the club will talk to about bringing in to help upfront. Another interesting name has popped up as a potential Hawks’ target — Matt Hodgson.
Big Hodgson hasn’t played in the NBL since a stint with Perth in NBL22 and most-recently appeared in Taiwan, but the Hawks require size and he could be an option as a back up five.
Popular names Anthony Drmic and Tanner Krebs have also attracted the Hawks’ attention.
Alex Mudronja and Akoldah Gak will test free agency, as will Deng Deng, who is considering an offer to return to the Hawks. Lachie Dent also has a development player contract on the table. News Corp has been told Mangok Mathiang’ has interest in returning to the NBL but it’s understood that is unlikely to be back with the Hawks.
The Hawks want a third import to complement Froling, Harvey and Robinson and would “move heaven and earth” to entice Duop Reath home — but he would need to turn his back on the millions available in Asia.
PERTH WILDCATS
COACH: John Rillie
CONTRACTED: Bryce Cotton, Todd Blanchfield, Mitch Norton, Kyle Zunic
DEPARTING: Ollie Hayes Brown, Majok Majok
OUT-OF-CONTRACT/NO DECISION MADE: Corey Webster (Mutual Option), Tai Webster (Mutual Option), Luke Travers, Majok Majok, Oliver Hayes-Brown, Jesse Wagstaff, TaShawn Thomas, Brady Manek, Michael Harris (Team Option), Jack Andrew (Team Option)
WHAT WE KNOW
Melbourne United is preparing to swoop on NBA draft pick Luke Travers, with the Wildcats already tabling a long-term offer to the Rockingham native it has nurtured for the past four seasons.
The 22-year-old was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers last year but is expected to spend at least next season in the NBL as he attempts to take a leap with his versatile skillset.
It’s understood the Wildcats have supported Travers decision to test free agency.
The Wildcats are among a host of potential suitors for the league’s hottest free agent, point guard William McDowell-White and they also want to bring back both Webster brothers, Corey and Tai, who have mutual options — talks have been fruitful with both.
Brady Manek’s form at the back end of last season has kept the door open for a return, although it’s understood the club is seeking to beef up what was one of the worst defences in NBL history. Fellow import TaShawn Thomas is unlikely to be seen in red again.
Wildcats great Jesse Wagstaff is 37 in April and he and the club are working through what next season looks like — he could go around again but retirement is also a looming prospect.
Young gun Michael Harris impressed as a development player and the club plans to bring both he and Jack Andrew back. Both have team options, with the potential for Harris’ contract to be renegotiated on a longer term deal.
Big centre Majok Majok was offered up to clubs very early in the piece, with the Wildcats set to ink departing Brisbane big man Gorjok Gak to fill that role.
Perth would like to move contracted players Todd Blanchfield, Mitch Norton and Kyle Zunic and — all three are keen to get out — but it will cost the Cats at least some of their contracts for next season if another club takes any of them on. All three have value for different reasons. Blanchfield, while it was only against Bahrain and Kazakhstan, showed glimpses of his past form as a pure shooter who can fill it up quickly in a pair of Boomers World Cup qualifiers, Norton is a dogged defender with a strong work ethic and veteran presence and Zunic was once a highly-regarded young point guard who has been hit with injury in recent times.
CAIRNS TAIPANS
COACH: Adam Forde (re-signed, two-year deal)
CONTRACTED: Jonah Antonio, Mirko Djeric, Tahjere McCall, Sam Waardenburg, Lat Mayen (Team Option executed)
DEPARTING: Ben Ayre
OUT-OF-CONTRACT/NO DECISION MADE: Majok Deng (Mutual Option), Keanu Pinder,
Bul Kuol, DJ Hogg, Shannon Scott, Joshua Davey (DP)
WHAT WE KNOW
The Taipans, as has often been the case, will have to deal with bigger clubs attempting to raid their considerable talent.
But Coach of the Year Adam Forde already has a solid nucleus at his disposal, with key pieces in Next Generation Award-winner Sam Waardenburg and gun import Tahjere McCall, with young marksman Jonah Antonio and the developing Lat Mayen.
It’s a trio of stars in Keanu Pinder, DJ Hogg and Bul Kuol where the Taipans will have a hard time finding the money to fight off opposing raids.
Sydney is understood to be red-hot on Pinder — as are a number of clubs — and the Kings’ war chest, with Xavier Cooks off the books, positions them to potentially sign both Pinder and Hogg.
News Corp has been told South East Melbourne will try to pry Bul Kuol away — with two other clubs understood to be interested in one of the best wing defenders in the country.
Ben Ayre has left the Taipans and could tack on a deep roster spot with hometown Melbourne United, while the club’s plans for the mutual option on Majok Deng’s contract, import Shannon Scott, and development player Josh Davey are unclear.
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
COACH: Scott Roth
CONTRACTED: Jack McVeigh, Clint Steindl, Fabijan Krslovic (re-signed two-year deal), Jared Bairstow, Will Magnay
DEPARTING: Sam McDaniel (Player Option declined)
OUT-OF-CONTRACT/NO DECISION MADE: Jarrad Weeks, Matt Kenyon, Josh Magette, Isaac White (DP), Rashard Kelly, Milton Doyle, Sean Macdonald (DP)
WHAT WE KNOW
The JackJumpers are focusing their energies on locking down All-NBL First Team import Milton Doyle, but Burnie bros Taran and Tre Armstrong are intriguing prospects who could come home to Tassie.
And the JackJumpers would love to poach William McDowell-White, but it’d take a godfather offer that swamped the army of suitors lining up for the star point guard.
Taran, 21, spent the past two years at California Baptist, Tre, 23, the past three. Taran, who owns a host of school records with his elite passing ability, hit the NCAA transfer portal last week, while Tre will play in the NBL1 in the off-season. It’s understood Tre may also be on the Kings’ radar. No fewer than 12 US colleges have reached out in a bid to lure Taran, leaving the NBL with plenty of competition for his services.
15 dimes in a game…
— SLAM University (@slam_university) December 8, 2021
Taran Armstrong is the best passer in college basketball. @CBUmbb (via @AC__Hoops) pic.twitter.com/7n7wRi4eLq
If Taran was to return, he could potentially take the reigns at the point, leaving beloved import Josh Magette surplus to needs — ditto if they landed McDowell-White.
Coach Scott Roth has made no secret All-NBL First-teamer Doyle is his No. 1 priority heading into the free agency period.
“Real simple what we’re doing right now is going in order of the priorities and the first thing is to get Milton Doyle done,” Roth told News Corp.
“He’s the linchpin for all our other moves to transpire.
“Milton knows that, by the end of this month, he needs to give us a yes or a no so we can finish trying to put this roster together and have a clear idea moving forward.”
Roth would not be drawn on any of the club’s targets, but News Corp has been told Hobart native Tanner Krebs is high on the Jackies’ list, while they will also court Adelaide free agent Anthony Drmic.
It’s understood the club would like to lock Doyle down for at least two years, given his starring performances in NBL23, age (29) and experience.
Jarrad Weeks, Matt Kenyon and Isaac White are set to hit free agency, with the latter certain to land a full roster spot somewhere, given his efforts as a development player — Melbourne United likes him.
Import Rashard Kelly’s future is unclear. Sean Macdonald remains as a development player, but there is the potential for him to be upgraded to the full roster, depending on how the chips fall — the gun guard seized his opportunity when more highly-touted teammates went down earlier in the season and played himself into a meaningful role the rest of the way home.
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
COACH: Mody Maor
CONTRACTED: Thomas Vodanovich, Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’afa, Cameron Gliddon, Dan Fotu, Rayan Rupert (Next Star), Alex McNaught (DP)
OUT-OF-CONTRACT/NO DECISION MADE: Rob Loe, Thomas Abercrombie, William McDowell-White, Jarrell Brantley, Barry Brown, Dererk Pardon, Sam Timmins
WHAT WE KNOW
The Breakers desperately want to bring back Will McDowell-White and, while they’re lining up back in Aus, the 24-year-old Queenslander, interestingly, is still in New Zealand — more than a week after the Breakers fell one win short of the NBL title.
Make of that what you will, but the Breakers feel his marked improvement in NBL23 and close relationship with coach Mody Maor gives them a chance at fending off big-money overtures from opposition clubs.
Other clubs are also coming for Sixth Man of the Year Barry Brown Jr, whose scoring ability and selfless attitude are coveted in the league, but a Breakers source told News Corp a number of players had expressed interest in a taking a pay cut in order to run it back, given they’d fallen one game short of an NBL title — and Maor’s growing reputation as a players’ coach.
Jarrell Brantley has tacked on with the Utah Jazz on a 10-day deal and will hope to frank that into a longer-term NBA contract. The club is keeping quiet on the future of 36-year-old four-time championship legend Thomas Abercrombie — who had a brilliant grand final series, while Rob Loe should be offered a new deal.
Big import Dererk Pardon has signed in Puerto Rico. Next Star Rayan Rupert is almost certain to go in the first round of the NBA Draft, some even predicting he could go in the lottery.
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Originally published as NBL free agency and signing news 2023: Every club’s roster and moves as they happen
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