Just when the NBL off-season appeared to be settling into a quieter period, a flurry of major roster moves has reignited the competition, with clubs continuing to build championship-calibre squads ahead of NBL27.
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Leading the headlines are the Sydney Kings, who have secured one of the most significant re-signings in recent league history, locking away reigning Finals MVP Kendric Davis on a new two-year deal.
The agreement keeps Davis in Sydney through the 2027-28 season and ensures the Kings retain the centrepiece of their championship-winning roster.
Elsewhere, the Perth Wildcats have added former Cairns Taipans player Alex Higgins-Titsha on a three-year deal, while last season’s championship runners-up have retained another key contributor as they edge closer to completing their roster.
FINALS MVP RETURNS
In what could prove to be the most important signing of the off-season, the Kings have ensured Davis remains in Sydney as the superstar guard continues his pursuit of NBL greatness.
Following the Kings’ championship triumph, Davis declared: “It’s my time now.”
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With two more years locked in, few would bet against him elevating his game even further as he chases the one major accolade still missing from his resumé, the NBL MVP award. Davis has finished runner-up to six-time MVP Bryce Cotton in each of the past two seasons and will enter NBL27 as one of the leading contenders once again.
Kings legendary head coach Brian Goorjian said retaining Davis sends a powerful message about the club’s ambitions.
“Kendric is a competitor in every sense of the word,” Goorjian said.
“The relationship he formed with this organisation and our fans became incredibly special to watch.
“To have him choose to continue that journey here in Sydney is enormous for our club and for the league.”
Davis is coming off one of the greatest seasons ever produced by a second-year import. He averaged 24.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game, while recording a career-high 40-point performance and rewriting several Kings franchise records along the way.
Having turned 27 in May, Davis is only just entering the prime years of his career. If his first two seasons are any indication, a third campaign could see him elevate from star import to genuine NBL legend.
His Finals series was particularly remarkable. Across seven playoff games, Davis averaged 28.3 points and 9.0 assists, consistently delivering in the biggest moments on the way to championship glory and Finals MVP honours.
His return also reignites one of the league’s most compelling rivalries. After finishing just two votes behind Bryce Cotton in last season’s MVP race, Davis will have plenty of motivation as he looks to finally claim the award for himself.
Davis becomes the first import secured for Sydney’s NBL27 roster. The Kings are not expected to retain Tim Soares, who is set to continue his career in Japan, while former NBA forward Torrey Craig has been heavily linked with a move to the Adelaide 36ers.
Sydney now has three roster spots remaining as preparations for its title defence continue.
WILDCATS SECURE KEY LOCAL
The Perth Wildcats have strengthened their roster for the future, signing free agent Alex Higgins-Titsha to a three-year deal, pending league approval, after the versatile forward spent the past two seasons with the Cairns Taipans.
Still just 25 years old, Higgins-Titsha is regarded as one of the league’s most athletic and versatile forwards. While injuries have interrupted his development in recent seasons, the Wildcats are backing his upside and believe a fresh environment could help unlock his full potential.
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In 27 appearances during his Cairns tenure, Higgins-Titsha averaged 6.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 17.1 minutes per game. His impact often extends beyond the box score, with his ability to crash the offensive glass, defend multiple positions and bring energy on both ends of the floor making him a valuable addition.
Long, athletic forwards capable of guarding multiple positions are among the most sought-after players in modern basketball, and Perth’s commitment to a three-year deal reflects the belief the club has in his long-term development.
Unfortunately, Higgins-Titsha’s 2025-26 campaign was limited to just nine games after a left wrist injury required surgery, halting what many hoped would be a breakout season.
Now, with a new team, a fresh start and a clean bill of health, Higgins-Titsha has an opportunity to re-establish himself as one of the NBL’s most intriguing talents and could emerge as a genuine dark horse for the Most Improved Player award.
VETERAN DEFENDER RE-SIGNS
Fresh off a championship defeat, the Adelaide 36ers have wasted no time reshaping their roster, both on and off the court, highlighted by the recent appointment of Trevor Gleeson as the club’s new head coach
The 36ers have also locked in veteran defender Matt Kenyon on a one-year deal, sources have told Fox Sports Australia.
Kenyon, who brings 166 NBL games of experience, will continue in a valuable rotation role for Adelaide. Last season he averaged 10.3 minutes per game, with his impact centred less on scoring and more on defence, energy, and making life difficult for opposing scorers while the starters recover on the bench.
It is a role that rarely shows up in box scores, but remains crucial to any team with championship ambitions.
The 36ers are Kenyon’s fourth NBL stop, having begun his career with the Brisbane Bullets before stints at the Tasmania JackJumpers and South East Melbourne Phoenix. He has typically spent two seasons at each club along the way.
With Kenyon’s signing confirmed, Adelaide now has one roster spot remaining on its main squad. The expectation is the club will target a shooting guard or small forward import to complete the group as it pushes towards another championship challenge.