Boomers legend Joe Ingles reportedly plans to link up with Melbourne United at the end of the NBA playoffs after three NBL teams fought for the veteran forward’s services.
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Ingles is currently playing in the NBA, where his Minnesota Timberwolves lead the Denver Nuggets 2-1 in their first-round series.
The 38-year-old has seen limited playing time in his two seasons with the Timberwolves but has played a crucial role off the court and in the locker room, with several Minnesota players crediting Ingles for his leadership and calming presence.
Now, the five-time Olympian is set to take those qualities back home to Australia, with Code Sports reporting that he is poised to join United.
There had also been interest from the Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix, but Ingles is instead expected to finalise a deal with United when Minnesota’s playoffs campaign ends.
That may not be anytime soon, with the Nuggets currently down their two best defensive players in Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon.
Should the Timberwolves progress, they would then play likely the San Antonio Spurs and potentially the Oklahoma City Thunder just to book their spot in the NBA Finals.
Ingles played one minute in the blowout win against the Nuggets but has otherwise not been part of the playoff rotation as expected.
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Ingles first started his professional career in the NBL in 2006 with the now-defunct South Dragons.
He may not be the only Australian NBA player to return home, with Andrew Gaze revealing Patty Mills could also be planning an NBL swansong.
Mills was not picked up by an NBA team ahead of the 2025-26 season and is currently playing for Spanish club La Laguna Tenerife.
Gaze said on SEN Radio that “a little birdie” had told him Mills will be returning to the NBL next season with the Brisbane Bullets.
“I’m declaring it, from a reasonably reliable source,” he added.