The big names on the move?

Free agency is set to begin on April 4 and teams are already looking for the perfect pieces to their championship puzzle.

Ahead of the player movement season beginning, we dive into who could be a target for your team.

Bryce Cotton

The biggest free agent of them all, Bryce Cotton, officially announced his departure from the Wildcats earlier this week. The five-time MVP has been reportedly exploring the Japanese market, but NBL teams such as Melbourne and Brisbane have been interested in seeing what it would take to bring in the superstar guard.

Matthew Dellavedova

The Larry Sengstock Trophy winner seems to be the biggest domino of this free agency period. Dellavedova has indicated that he is looking for a multi-year deal and that is something United has to weigh up when they look at their future. The Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets look to be the other two serious contenders in trying to lock away the veteran point guard, with the South East Melbourne Phoenix another team that has shown interest. With Cotton’s departure from the Wildcats, would they now look to make a move at the NBA champion as well?

Kendric Davis

On the most recent episode of The Marketplace, ESPN’s Olgun Uluc reported that Davis had rejected the latest offer from the Adelaide 36ers and will test the market. Adelaide haven’t hidden behind the fact that it was trying to lock away the runner-up MVP on a multi-year deal. Davis will have interest from around the league, but will also have European opportunities.

Milton Doyle

Milton Doyle is an intriguing name to watch throughout free agency, as the former All-NBL team member had an inconsistent season by his lofty standards. It was reported earlier this month that Melbourne United had some interest in Doyle ahead of free agency, but if Tasmania don’t re-sign the star guard, other clubs would certainly entertain his signature.

Ian Clark

Ian Clark is a name that many clubs refer to in the off-season when they discuss looking ‘for an impact bench import like Ian Clark’. Clark has continued to make an impact and comes off an impressive Championship Series for Melbourne United. With United having some key decisions to make ahead of April 4, there’s enough talk around the league that Clark would receive significant interest from other clubs.

Sam Waardenburg

The Kiwi big man had one of his best professional seasons in NBL25 and bounced back from a rollercoaster year prior. After choosing to return to the Taipans under Adam Forde last off-season, Waardenburg’s name has become a hot topic as teams look to the future. There has been some initial reporting that he would opt to return to the Taipans for at least one more year, however with the New Zealand Breakers looking to bring in more local talent, he could be their starting piece this free-agency period.

Sam Froling

The young big man suffered a shocking Achilles injury during the Championship Series, which came at a brutal time as free agency looms. Prior to this setback, there had been early reports that the Hawks initial offer to Froling was a significant amount less than other clubs would offer. With the news that he will be sidelined for the next 6-9 months, there are still some big clubs who are chasing the 25-year-old, but it also looks as if the Hawks are closing in on keeping their foundational centre.

Trey Kell III

Looking back on NBL25 and it’s hard not to disagree that Trey Kell III was the biggest off-season signing 12 months ago. Justin Tatum foresaw that Kell would be the perfect piece to the Hawks puzzle and the key signing to help them achieve the ultimate goal. The All-NBL First Team member now becomes a free agent, albeit Tatum telling media in recent days the ultimate goal would be to run it back with the core next season.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright

Early reporting on The Marketplace at the beginning of this calendar year was that Jackson-Cartwright was open to staying in the NBL, even if that ruled out a return to the Breakers. The lightning quick point guard became a fan favourite quickly in the last two seasons and will have some key interest around the league if he were to choose to stay.

Keanu Pinder

Perth’s marquee big man posted a cryptic Instagram caption thanking Perth, before embarking on his current adventure in the CBA. It is believed that the 29-year-old will explore the Asian market for the foreseeable future, with the Japanese league reportedly offering some big deals.

Matt Hurt

After an outstanding first season in the NBL, Matt Hurt’s value jumped significantly after he was deservedly awarded with a spot on the All-NBL First Team. The Phoenix have had a desire to lock in their big man for some time, however that became harder with each impressive performance as his price increased.

Derrick Walton Jr

It was a tough individual season for the former champion and Larry Sengstock Trophy winner, who battled through soft tissues injuries and form to find that consistent dominance fans saw from him at Sydney two seasons prior. When healthy, Walton Jr is one of the best playmakers in the entire league, and with some other key point guard pieces on the move, perhaps a club like Adelaide or Perth will be trying to lock him away.

Jaylen Adams

The former MVP was sensational in NBL25, producing 40-point games as well as his usual individual brilliance to try and help what was an overall disappointing season for the Kings. Similar to Walton Jr, if Adams has a desire to return to the NBL, clubs like Adelaide, who have shown interest in recent years, are expected to be amongst his landing spots.