NBL free agency is officially underway, with the 9am (AEST) opening marking the start of what shapes as a hectic day across the league. Things have already moved quickly, with the Adelaide 36ers parting ways with contracted sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic in an early shake-up.
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Fox Sports Australia will have full live coverage throughout the day as news breaks, with clubs looking to position themselves as title contenders and several high-profile names expected to find new homes.
Index:
1. Keanu Pinder linked to Cairns
2. Jaylin Galloway linked to Cairns
3. Bul Kuol expected to sign with Adelaide
4. Shaun Bruce linked to Adelaide
5. Keli Leaupepe re-signs with Sydney
6. Carlin Davison linked to Perth
7. Sam McDaniel re-signs with Brisbane
8. Dejan Vasiljevic mutually parts with Adelaide
Latest update: 17 April 2026
1. FORMER TAIPAN SET FOR RETURN
Fox Sports Australia understands that two-time Most Improved Player Keanu Pinder has been linked with a return to the Cairns Taipans.
Pinder, 30, previously spent two seasons in Cairns between 2021 and 2023, producing the best campaign of his career in NBL23. He averaged 16.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 50% from the field, before moving to the Perth Wildcats for the following two seasons.
He is currently playing in Japan’s B.League with the Akita Northern Happinets alongside Yanni Wetzell. Across 42 appearances, Pinder has averaged 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals, shooting 41.1%.
The 6’11 forward remains one of the most athletic players in the Australian system, and a return to Cairns would provide an immediate boost, giving the Taipans a proven piece to build around alongside Jack McVeigh and Reyne Smith.
2. KINGS FUTURE STAR LINKED TO SUNSHINE STATE
Fresh off his third NBL championship at just 23, Jaylin Galloway has been linked with a move to the Cairns Taipans, sources told Fox Sports Australia.
Despite being contracted for another season with the Sydney Kings, Galloway is emerging as one of the most exciting young prospects in Australian basketball. He is coming off a strong 2025–26 campaign, averaging 9.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.6 blocks across 39 appearances.
If a move does materialise, he could reunite with his brother, Kyrin Galloway, who is currently a free agent but expected to re-sign with Cairns following an impressive season.
Should Galloway stay healthy, a shift to a larger role could see him take another leap and establish himself among the league’s top-tier talent.
3. ADELAIDE SET TO LAND ‘BRYCE-STOPPER’
The Adelaide 36ers are closing in on the signature of elite Sydney Kings defender Bul Kuol on a two-year deal, according to ESPN.
Kuol is coming off a season-ending ACL injury, but prior to that was widely regarded as one of the league’s most impactful defenders, regularly taking on the toughest perimeter assignments, including match-ups with Bryce Cotton.
Now 29, Kuol has spent the past five seasons in the NBL with the Cairns Taipans and Sydney Kings, who declined his mutual option earlier this week. His expected arrival shapes as a significant boost for Adelaide, a side that struggled defensively last season.
With the recent departure of sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic, the 36ers appear to be shifting their focus towards defence heading into the 2026–27 campaign.
Kuol is not expected to return until at least November as he continues his ACL rehabilitation, but Adelaide looks set to back a high-risk, high-reward move.
4. THREE-TIME CHAMPION LINKED TO 36ERS
Former Sydney Kings guard and three-time NBL champion Shaun Bruce has been linked with a move to the Adelaide 36ers, sources told Fox Sports Australia.
Bruce is coming off his 14th NBL season, his seventh with the Kings, and remains a sought-after veteran on the market thanks to his leadership and experience.
Across 378 career games, his value goes beyond scoring, with clubs viewing him as a stabilising presence for younger groups and a reliable voice on and off the floor.
He is already familiar with Adelaide, having played seven games for the 36ers during the 2018–19 season, and a return would add experience to a roster in need of veteran back-court depth.
Adelaide has been active early in free agency, and a potential addition like Bruce would further underline its push to build a squad capable of challenging for a championship.
5. SYDNEY RE-SIGN KEY PIECE
The Sydney Kings have re-signed big man Keli Leaupepe on a two-year deal following their championship-winning season, according to ESPN.
Leaupepe did not feature during the 2025–26 campaign after suffering an ACL injury in September last year. Prior to that setback, he played 19 games for the Kings in 2024–25, averaging 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
Widely regarded as one of the strongest players in the league, Leaupepe brings toughness and a team-first approach, key traits as Sydney looks to mount another title push.
6. NEW ZEALAND HIGH-FLYER LINKED TO THE WEST
New Zealand Breakers guard Carlin Davison has been linked with a move to the Perth Wildcats after two seasons with the club.
The 22-year-old is viewed as one of the most athletic prospects in this free agency period, with sources close to Fox Sports Australia indicating he is leaning towards a move west. The Perth Wildcats are understood to be the leading contender for his signature.
After a limited 10-game debut season, Davison took a clear step forward under former head coach Petteri Koponen, earning a larger role and increased minutes.
In 33 appearances, all off the bench, he averaged 5.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 15.8 minutes per game, all career highs.
If Perth secures his signature, it would add energy and athleticism to the bench as the Wildcats push to return to championship contention.
7. ELITE DEFENDER RE-SIGNS WITH BULLETS
Brisbane Bullets guard Sam McDaniel has re-signed, with the club confirmation in a released statement.
McDaniel is coming off a season-ending injury but remains one of the league’s premier on-ball defenders when fit. His return marks the first signing under new head coach Will Weaver, as the Bullets begin shaping their roster for the future.
The 30-year-old brings nine years of NBL experience, including the past three seasons in Brisbane. However, he has played just 11 games across the last two campaigns, leaving some concern around durability. When healthy, though, he is widely regarded as one of the competition’s elite defensive guards.
In the club’s press release, Sam McDaniel spoke about his excitement to remain in Brisbane and work under new head coach Will Weaver.
“I’m really pleased to be staying in Brisbane, the city truly feels like home now, and I’m driven to help bring success to the Bullets,” McDaniel said.
“I feel like I’ve got unfinished business after the last couple of years, and I’m excited to show the best of myself in NBL27 and beyond.
“The opportunity to work with Will and the core group we’ve got returning is something I’m really looking forward to. It’s an exciting time to be at the club.”
Every NBL player’s contract status revealed: Free agents announced ahead of off-season frenzy
8. DEJAN VASILJEVIC SET TO PART WAYS WITH 36ERS
The Adelaide 36ers and guard Dejan Vasiljevic are set to mutually part ways, sources told Fox Sports Australia.
The move comes as a surprise, with Vasiljevic still having one year remaining on his contract and previously viewing Adelaide as a long-term home. The 28-year-old has spent the past three seasons with the 36ers, but that stint now appears set to end following what is understood to be a swift decision from both sides to move on.
Vasiljevic will enter free agency with strong interest expected, as several rival clubs circle the sharpshooter’s signature.