NBL great Bryce Cotton confirms Perth Wildcats exit, sparking a free agency frenzy
Five-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton has confirmed he has played his final game for the Perth Wildcats. His exit has opened the free agency flood gates.
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The NBL’s free agency flood gates have opened after five-time MVP Bryce Cotton announced he is leaving the Perth Wildcats.
And while Cotton is expected to sign a lucrative deal in Asia, his departure leaves a giant-sized hole for the Wildcats to fill.
Perth now has the big dollars to chase a marquee signing to cover for one of the greatest imports in NBL history.
Cotton, who played 258 games for the Wildcats, averaging 23.1 points per game across nine seasons, announced his exit from the club via social media on Tuesday morning.
“Perth will always be home, but it’s time to say goodbye and see what else God has planned for me and my family,” Cotton wrote at the end of a lengthy caption in which he thanked Perth’s red army for always getting behind him.
“I came at the backend of the season my first year only expecting to be here 6 weeks, and it turned into accomplishing things that no other player has achieved in their first 9 seasons in the history of the league. All glory to God.
“Despite that, I had my slumps along the way on the court but you guys never turned your back on me and always showed genuine support. I can never thank you enough for that.”
Cotton won three NBL titles with the Wildcats, the first coming in his maiden season down under when he joined a struggling Perth outfit mid-campaign and went on to score 45 points in game three of the grand final series.
He leaves the NBL as its reigning MVP – his five titles (2018, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025) second only to Andrew Gaze (7).
Alongside his five MVP awards he was also grand final MVP at 2017 and 2020.
Ahead of the free agency period on April 4, Code Sports looked at the top-five off-contract stars on the open market.
MONTREZL HARRELL (Adelaide 36ers)
The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year is unlikely to return to Adelaide and it’s not clear which clubs would take a punt on the talented yet volatile big man.
Harrell, who averaged 20 points and 9.3 rebounds for the 36ers last season, would be a coup for any team given his experience and presence in the paint.
The challenge, as seen with Adelaide this season, is the big man’s temperament and whether a rival team is willing to risk his signing.
At his best, though, Harrell remains one of the NBL’s premier players and a talent who can draw major eyeballs to the NBL.
TREY KELL (Illawarra Hawks)
There is intent for Illawarra to retain the club’s champion hero – and it’s understood Kell has mutual interest to remain in ‘The Gong’.
The American guard produced a stellar season for the Hawks, culminating in a masterclass grand final performance to send Melbourne United packing.
Expect Kell to re-sign with Illawarra, but his asking price will increase after a championship, opening the door for rival clubs to inquire about his signature.
MATTHEW DELLAVEDOVA (Melbourne United)
Dellavedova is the NBL’s most intriguing free agent following his stellar championship campaign to secure the grand final series MVP.
The legendary guard wants a long-term deal with Melbourne to see him through to the 2028 LA Olympics, but it’s unknown if United will come to the party.
This has opened the door for rival NBL teams, including the Sydney Kings and the South East Melbourne Phoenix, to express interest in the Boomers great.
Dellavedova’s standout championship series could prompt United to retain the veteran guard.
''A moment that will live forever'' 🥹
— NBL (@NBL) March 23, 2025
An incredible sporting gesture from Matthew Dellavedova, handing his Championship Series MVP to Will Hickey. pic.twitter.com/mdE9qZ4RHx
JOSH BANNAN (Brisbane Bullets)
Bannan opted out of his player option last week and, while Melbourne has maintained an interest ever since the versatile power forward chose the Bullets over United two years ago, expect him to be a Tasmania JackJumper next season and beyond.
The Melbourne-born forward is coming off a brilliant season with Brisbane, averaging 13.2 points and 8.6 rebounds.
Bannan would be a perfect fit for the JackJumpers given his dogged desire to compete on every play.
MATT HURT (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
Code Sports understands the Phoenix have offered Hurt a one-year deal but it wasn’t close to the American big man’s expectations.
Expect rival NBL teams to express significant interest in the former NBA talent, who played eight games with the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2023/24 season.
Hurt produced a sensational maiden season for the Phoenix, averaging 19.9 points and 6.8 rebounds as a top-three candidate for the NBL’s MVP.
If the Phoenix don’t stump up the cash, expect rival teams to swoop.
CODE SPORTS’ LIST OF KEY FREE AGENTS:
Kendric Davis
Montrezl Harrell
Trey Kell
Parker Jackson-Cartwright
Matt Hurt
Derrick Walton Jr
Jaylen Adams
Milton Doyle
Matthew Dellavedova
Josh Bannan
Shea Ili
Keanu Pinder
Sam Waardenburg
Sam Froling*
*Injured and expected to be sidelined for up to 10 months
Originally published as NBL great Bryce Cotton confirms Perth Wildcats exit, sparking a free agency frenzy
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