Unsigned stars who could flip the NBL standings

There’s almost five months until the NBL season tips off, but this time of year is as vital as any for clubs looking to fill out their rosters.

From the Illawarra Hawks, who’ve locked away nearly all of their championship roster, to the Cairns Taipans, who are very much building fresh and taking a patient approach, all eyes are on free agency.

Imports and star locals are, of course, the flavour of the week, but just which of the NBL25 crop are still available—and could any of them find a home on your team?

Here’s a look at some of the biggest unsigned stars in free agency.

Listed in alphabetical order.

Point guards

Derrick Walton Jr
South East Melbourne Phoenix
2025 stats: 11.3 ppg, 4.7 apg

Walton Jr’s NBL25 campaign wasn’t ideal, as he dealt with two hamstring injuries that forced him to play just 18 games. When healthy, the lightning-quick guard showed exactly why he’s a former championship winner, highlighted by his nine-assist first half in Game 1 of the Playoffs. Walton Jr has expressed a desire to stay in the NBL and, like Adams, could be a strong option for a number of teams.

Jaylen Adams
Sydney Kings
2025 stats: 18.4 ppg, 6.7 apg, 3.9 rpg

The former league MVP had yet another productive season for the Kings in NBL25. While their team results didn’t meet expectations, Adams did what he could to give them a chance at a deep finals push. There have been no direct links to a new home for Adams, but there are a few potential landing spots for a point guard of his calibre.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright
New Zealand Breakers
2025 stats: 18.9 ppg, 6.7 apg

The Breakers’ leading man for the last two seasons has been nothing short of fantastic since arriving in the NBL. While putting up incredible numbers, Jackson-Cartwright has been a proven leader and playmaker. Rumours continue to swirl that the star guard could return to New Zealand, which would be a huge boost for the new ownership and direction of the club.

Tai Webster
Perth Wildcats
2025 stats: 7.7 ppg, 2.5 apg

Webster was another key piece who missed time due to injury, limiting him to just 20 games for the Wildcats. What makes the 29-year-old enticing is that he’s a proven local in the league and could be a marquee if needed. While many point guard gaps will be filled by imports, teams like Cairns and Perth may still seek a local addition at this position.

Trey Kell III
Illawarra Hawks
2025 stats: 17.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.3 apg

The Illawarra Hawks haven’t been shy in admitting they’re pulling out all the stops to bring back their All-NBL First Team guard. While no deal has been done, the Hawks seem happy to take their time as Kell continues to play well abroad following a title win.

Trey Kell III.

Shooting guards

Bryce Cotton
Perth Wildcats
2025 stats: 28.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.7 apg

Yes, the five-time MVP is on this list, simply because he’s yet to sign. Japan looks the likely destination, which would be a deserved opportunity for one of the NBL’s all-time greats. Still, in a quiet free agency, maybe a team decides to go all in on the eight-time scoring champion.

Ian Clark
Melbourne United
2025 stats: 19.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg

Ian Clark is a name that comes up in every off-season. Teams are either trying to sign him—or looking for an “Ian Clark-type.” The 34-year-old had a massive Playoff series for Melbourne United and is currently playing in Puerto Rico alongside Chris Goulding. If past years are anything to go by, his next contract may come after the NBA Summer League.

James Batemon
Brisbane Bullets
2025 stats: 15.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg

Who could forget that 50-piece? Batemon proved more than capable in his 16 games before a hamstring injury, with effectively ended his season. After a slow start to the year, that scoring punch late would have him right in the mix for a return to the league.

Rob Edwards
Cairns Taipans
2025 stats: 19.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg

Edwards made a splash in his debut season and quickly became a fan favourite in Far North Queensland. While his output was limited at times, he was a bright spot for a struggling Cairns side. There's been no solid news on his future, but with the Taipans taking their time this off-season, a return may still be on the cards.

Rob Edwards.

Small forwards

Keandre Cook
Brisbane Bullets
2025 stats: 16.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg

Cook’s current form in Israel suggests he’ll find a new NBL home with ease. He was a consistent force for the Bullets last season and recently dropped 26 points overseas, adding to his appeal.

Joe Wieskamp
South East Melbourne Phoenix
2025 stats: 11.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg

Wieskamp expressed interest in returning to the NBL. While his stats may not leap off the page, he showed in the latter half of the Phoenix’s season that he can make meaningful contributions on both ends.

Milton Doyle
Tasmania JackJumpers
2025 stats: 14.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.2 apg

Doyle’s name continues to be mentioned around the league, and a return appears likely. While there’s mutual interest in a return to Tasmania, that deal isn’t done, and other teams are reportedly in the mix.

Pedro Bradshaw
Cairns Taipans
2025 stats: 10.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg

Cairns’ two-way swingman Bradshaw was pivotal last season, but an ankle injury derailed both his season and the team’s. From all accounts, he’s a dependable presence both on and off the floor.

Milton Doyle.

Power forwards

Darius Days
Illawarra Hawks
2025 stats: 10.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg

Days’ stats don’t tell the full story. He accepted a reduced role for the good of his championship-winning team. A proven weapon off the bench, he could be a solid starter or backup in NBL26.

Jack White
Melbourne United
2025 stats: 13.3 ppg, 8.9 rpg

White declined his player option with Melbourne United and is now playing with Bayern Munich. He’s keen to explore overseas opportunities first, but if he returns—and with Finn Delany rumoured to be joining United—it may mean a fresh start elsewhere.

Matt Hurt
South East Melbourne Phoenix
2025 stats: 19.9 ppg, 6.9 rpg

Olgun Uluc reported the Illawarra Hawks are targeting MVP finalist Matt Hurt. Though a Phoenix return had been discussed, signs now point to the star forward joining the reigning champs, further deepening their roster.

Matt Hurt.

Centers

Cam Oliver
Sydney Kings
2025 stats: 12.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg

Call it an asterisk season for Cam Oliver, who never found his best form in Sydney. Still, when given the chance, he showed why he’s one of the league’s most explosive bigs. A redemption year elsewhere may be just what he needs.

Keanu Pinder
Perth Wildcats
2025 stats: 15.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg

Pinder’s rollercoaster of playing time made it easy to forget just how effective he was. He’s now exploring options in Asia, but local teams needing a marquee big might entice him to stay—or even return to Cairns.

Montrezl Harrell
Adelaide 36ers
2025 stats: 20.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg

While it’s unlikely the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year returns to the NBL, Harrell has hinted at it on social media. A dominant presence, his return may be complicated by teams prioritising local marquee signings at centre.

Tanner Groves
Cairns Taipans
2025 stats: 13.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg

Groves stands out as a different kind of big. Not flashy, but effective—he’s a stretch-five with a high work ethic. With many teams seeking reliable imports, Groves is firmly on the radar.

Tanner Groves.