The NBL off-season continues to gather momentum, with the reigning champions taking another significant step towards defending their title, while last season’s runners-up appear close to securing the return of one of their most important mid-season signings. Across the Tasman, the New Zealand Breakers are also being linked to a former South East Melbourne Phoenix import.
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With the NBL Blitz less than three months away and NBA Summer League set to begin next month, clubs across the league are accelerating their recruitment plans as they look to finalise their rosters for the 2026-27 season.
The Sydney Kings have re-signed a championship-winning piece, while the Adelaide 36ers are closing in on bringing back a veteran sharpshooter. Meanwhile, the Breakers could be preparing to make a major move of their own in a bid to strengthen an already intriguing roster.
IWUNDU THE BREAKER?
Former South East Melbourne Phoenix import Wes Iwundu has emerged as a target for the New Zealand Breakers, sources told Fox Sports Australia.
The inaugural NBL Ignite Cup champions are understood to be pursuing the versatile wing as they continue building what is shaping as one of the league’s most fascinating rosters heading into next season.
Iwundu spent the 2025-26 campaign with the Phoenix, appearing in 32 games across the regular season and finals. He averaged 11.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 41.9 per cent from the field.
Following his departure from South East Melbourne, Iwundu moved to Israel, signing with Ironi Kiryat Ata, where he teamed up with former Cairns Taipans import Rob Edwards. In nine appearances, he averaged 15.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 35.4 per cent from three-point range.
A move to New Zealand would make plenty of sense, with Iwundu’s defensive versatility and athleticism filling an important need for the Breakers. He would likely slot straight into the starting lineup and provide another experienced presence alongside newcomers Kouat Noi and Dejan Vasiljevic.
If the deal gets done, the Breakers could boast one of the most balanced and defensively capable rosters in the NBL heading into the new season.
Sources also told Fox Sports Australia that the Breakers have shown interest in 7-foot American centre Kylor Kelley, another name worth keeping an eye on as the club continues to shape its roster for next season.
SHARPSHOOTER SET TO RUN IT BACK?
The Adelaide 36ers are closing in on a potential deal to re-sign import guard John Jenkins for the 2026-27 season, sources told Fox Sports Australia.
Jenkins arrived in Adelaide in January as the replacement for Troy Brown Jr, who mutually parted ways with the club, and quickly became one of the team’s most reliable offensive weapons.
The 35-year-old showcased his elite shooting ability throughout his 18 appearances, knocking down 40.6 per cent of his three-point attempts (43-of-106) while providing a consistent scoring threat.
The move may surprise some observers, with Adelaide widely expected to target a more defence-focused import. However, with Bul Kuol continuing his recovery from an ACL injury and fellow sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic no longer on the roster, Jenkins could be set for an even larger role under new head coach Trevor Gleeson.
The veteran guard recently completed a stint in Puerto Rico with Santeros de Aguada, where he played alongside former 36ers forward Jacob Wiley. Across nine appearances, Jenkins averaged 15.4 points per game while shooting 43.2 per cent from beyond the arc (32-of-74).
While the deal is not yet official, Jenkins’ return would effectively complete Adelaide’s core group and strengthen the club’s chances of returning to the NBL Championship Series after falling one step short last season.
CHAMPION RETURNS TO SYDNEY
The Sydney Kings have officially secured a key piece of their championship-winning roster, confirming veteran forward Torrey Craig has re-signed on a one-year deal.
Craig, who is currently playing in Puerto Rico for Mets de Guaynabo, had been linked to several NBL clubs during the off-season, including Adelaide. However, Sydney moved swiftly to retain the NBA veteran, who will turn 36 midway through the upcoming campaign.
The former NBA forward arrived in Sydney after Kings defensive specialist Bul Kuol suffered a season-ending ACL injury and immediately became a crucial part of the club’s championship push.
In 15 games, Craig averaged 12.4 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 50.7 per cent from the field, providing leadership, versatility and high-level defence on both ends of the floor.
Widely regarded as one of the league’s premier two-way players, Craig’s return further strengthens Sydney’s bid to become the first team since the Kings’ own three-peat era to win back-to-back championships.
With Craig locked in, Sydney now has just one roster position remaining and an import spot still available. The club has also been linked to Australian big man Harry Wessels as it looks to address its need for frontcourt depth heading into the new season.