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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.<\/p>\n
Watch NBA with ESPN on Kayo Sports | Stream the best of the NBA Playoffs. | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n ADELAIDE SET TO LAND \u2018BRYCE-STOPPER\u2019 <\/b><\/p>\n Kuol is coming off a season-ending ACL injury, but prior to that was widely regarded as one of the league\u2019s most impactful defenders, regularly taking on the toughest perimeter assignments, including match-ups with Bryce Cotton.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n With the recent departure of sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic, the 36ers appear to be shifting their focus towards defence heading into the 2026\u201327 campaign.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n THREE-TIME CHAMPION LINKED TO 36ERS<\/b><\/p>\n 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.<\/i><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He is already familiar with Adelaide, having played seven games for the 36ers during the 2018\u201319 season, and a return would add experience to a roster in need of veteran backcourt depth.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n SYDNEY RE-SIGN KEY PIECE<\/b><\/p>\n The Sydney Kings have re-signed big man Keli Leaupepe on a two-year deal following their championship-winning season, according to ESPN.<\/a><\/p>\n Leaupepe did not feature during the 2025\u201326 campaign after suffering an ACL injury in September last year. Prior to that setback, he played 19 games for the Kings in 2024\u201325, averaging 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n NEW ZEALAND HIGH-FLYER LINKED TO THE WEST<\/b><\/p>\n New Zealand Breakers guard Carlin Davison has been linked with a move to the Perth Wildcats after two seasons with the club.<\/p>\n 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<\/i> indicating he is leaning towards a move west. The Perth Wildcats are understood to be the leading contender for his signature.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If Perth secures his signature, it would add energy and athleticism to the bench as the Wildcats push to return to championship contention.<\/p>\n ELITE DEFENDER RE-SIGNS WITH BULLETS<\/b><\/p>\n Brisbane Bullets guard Sam McDaniel has re-signed, with the club confirmation in a released statement.<\/a><\/p>\n McDaniel is coming off a season-ending injury but remains one of the league\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s elite defensive guards.<\/p>\n In the club\u2019s press release, Sam McDaniel spoke about his excitement to remain in Brisbane and work under new head coach Will Weaver.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m really pleased to be staying in Brisbane, the city truly feels like home now, and I\u2019m driven to help bring success to the Bullets,\u201d McDaniel said.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel like I\u2019ve got unfinished business after the last couple of years, and I\u2019m excited to show the best of myself in NBL27 and beyond.<\/p>\n \u201cThe opportunity to work with Will and the core group we\u2019ve got returning is something I\u2019m really looking forward to. It\u2019s an exciting time to be at the club.\u201d<\/p>\n