Adelaide 36ers complete NBL26 roster with high-level big man Zylan Cheatham to join Bryce Cotton, Montrezl Harrell

They got Bryce. They got Trez. Now CODE Sports can reveal the Adelaide 36ers have completed their NBL26 roster with another elite import sacrificing what is believed to be as much as $200,000 USD to complete the triumvirate.

Zylan Cheatham has joined the Adelaide 36ers.

Adelaide has landed the final piece of a staggering off-season roster jigsaw puzzle pulling off another high-level signing, landing the services of former NBA man Zylan Cheatham.

CODE Sports has been told the 36ers have secured a one-year commitment from the ultra-athletic 29-year-old big who has proven NBL experience with New Zealand Breakers.

Cheatham’s arrival completes an import triumvirate with returning former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell and legendary five-time league MVP Bryce Cotton that could lay claim to be, on paper, as talented as any in NBL history.

A source told CODE Sports the former New Orleans and Utah forward, who spent last season in Japan with Nagoya, rebuffed bigger money Asian deals to sign with the 36ers. It’s believed he made north of US$600,000 – tax free – in his season with the Diamond Dolphins, but has sacrificed as much as US$200,000 to land in Adelaide.

A source said owner Grant Kelley had always been a willing spender on player salaries but, buoyed by last season’s improved finish, the SA entrepreneur has opened up the chequebook in pursuit of a championship-calibre roster.

“Once Bryce (Cotton) became a thing, we couldn’t say no and then when Trez wanted to return, we set about finding someone who could complement both of them,” a source said.

“Grant was happy to spend on the right piece and Zylan wanted to come because he saw what we were building in Adelaide. He has taken significantly less than what he could have made in Asia.”

With Cotton understood to be on between $1.3-1.4 million, the Sixers are set to have one of the richest rosters in NBL history. It’s believed Harrell also knocked back more lucrative overseas contracts but could still command over $500,000. Add in Aussies Dejan Vasiljevic (approximately $400,000) and Isaac Humphries (approximately $350-400,000) and the club is likely spending over $3 million on just five players.

Owing to the NBL’s soft cap – set this season at just over $2.25 million – club owners can spend whatever they want on their players but pay a penalty or ‘luxury tax’ on every dollar over that figure.

It’s understood the Sixers’ high profile off-season free agency splurge caught Cheatham’s eye, with the 203cm forward-centre intrigued by the opportunity to play alongside Cotton in a front court with Harrell and premier Aussie big man Isaac Humphries.

The opportunity to play alongside Bryce Cotton was a factor for Cheatham. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Montrezl Harrell has committed to an Adelaide return. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Sixers’ coach Mike Wells also played a big role in luring the Arizona State college standout. The pair built a relationship during Cheatham’s 10-day contract with the Jazz in 2022, where Wells was on the coaching staff, and crossed paths on Team USA during minor tournaments.

Despite missing 11 games with a fractured foot, Cheatham was a wanted man following an eye-catching NBL24 campaign with the Breakers that produced 15.2 points and 6.8 rebounds, the Sixers among a number of clubs who chased him hard.

But the riches of the Japanese B.League won out and the Phoenix, Arizona native spent last season with the Diamond Dolphins, where he averaged 12.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists across 60 games.

Zylan Cheatham on the floor for the New Orleans Pelicans against the Chicago Bulls in 2022. Picture: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Cheatham will be one of the best athletes in the NBL this season, his jump-out-of-the-gym ability set to be a devastating weapon for Cotton to utilise his passing ability.

His defensive strengths – rebounding, energy and ability to guard multiple positions – are a God send for a squad that is lean on elite defenders.

His arrival also creates healthy competition in the Sixers’ frontcourt with Humphries and Harrell, the trio set to battle it out for minutes, starting and finishing roles.

Without a true point guard and lacking a pure small forward, the Sixers have compiled a hugely talented, if unbalanced, roster that Wells will now have to find a way fit together into a championship contender, something he’ll have a long runway to achieve as the first team to complete their roster for a season that doesn’t begin until mid-September.

Originally published as Adelaide 36ers complete NBL26 roster with high-level big man Zylan Cheatham to join Bryce Cotton, Montrezl Harrell