The NBL says it will work with Next Star Noa Kouakou-Heugue to find a new team after mutually parting ways with the Perth Wildcats.
The rising French star’s stint in the west didn’t pan out as planned, with the 18-year-old playing just a handful of minutes for the team.
Kouakou-Heugue — considered by some as first-round 2027 NBA Draft propsect — was even linked with a mid-season move to France but he now appears set to stay in Australia after the move was announced on Wednesday.
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“Following discussions, it has been established that this is the best path forward for everyone,” GM of Next Stars recruitment Liam Santamaria said.
“In addition to being a fine young man, Noa is a talented young prospect with tremendous upside, and we are committed to helping him continue his journey as a Next Star.”
Perth’s GM of Basketball and COO Danny Mills added: “Noa is a talented young athlete who proved himself to be a fantastic teammate, making significant strides both on and off the court during his season here in Perth.
“While we have agreed to part ways, he will always remain part of the Wildcats family, and we will continue to support and follow the next steps of what we envision will be a successful professional career.”
The announement comes a day after the Wildcats confirmed skipper and six-time NBL champion Jesse Wagstaff had been re-signed for the NBL27 season.
Free agency is now in full swing, with clubs moving quickly to reshape their rosters, revisit familiar targets and secure key pieces for the future.
Read on below for more free agency coverage.
Index:
1. Sam Waardenburg signs three-year deal
2. Elijah Pepper returns to Perth on a two-year deal
3. Wani Swaka Lu Bluk re-signs with Illawarra
4. Keanu Pinder linked to Cairns
5. Jaylin Galloway linked to Cairns
5. Bul Kuol expected to sign with Adelaide
6. Shaun Bruce linked to Adelaide
8. Keli Leaupepe re-signs with Sydney
9. Carlin Davison linked to Perth
10. Sam McDaniel re-signs with Brisbane
11. Dejan Vasiljevic mutually parts with Adelaide
Latest update: 20 April 2026
1. UNITED SIGNS STAR FORWARD
The Melbourne United have signed Kiwi star Sam Waardenburg on a three-year deal, with the final season a mutual option, the club confirmed.
Waardenburg was one of the biggest names in free agency, and his arrival gives United a timely boost after an up-and-down season by their standards. The deal also locks in a key piece of their roster for the next few years.
The 27-year-old joins from the Cairns Taipans, where he spent the past four seasons. After an injury-interrupted 2025–26 campaign, he arrives with a point to prove and a clear focus on contributing to a winning environment.
Despite playing just eight games last season, Waardenburg still showed his class, averaging 15.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting an efficient 56.6% from the field.
Speaking in a club statement, Waardenburg said the decision came down to fit and the chance to compete.
“I’m super excited,” he said.
“Obviously this being my first real free agency experience, I wanted to take my time with the process, but it was pretty clear from day one that Melbourne was a great place and a great organisation for me and my partner.
“It’s an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, and I feel like it’s the right next step in my career.
“I definitely wanted to prioritise winning. That’s really important to me right now.”
2. FORMER TAIPAN SET FOR RETURN
The Perth Wildcats have re-signed sharpshooter Elijah Pepper on a two-year deal, the club has confirmed.
Pepper, one of the most sought-after names when free agency opened last Friday, has committed to remain in the west through the 2027–28 season as he continues to develop into one of the league’s most dangerous scorers.
The 24-year-old is coming off the best campaign of his career, making 37 appearances, including 26 starts. He averaged 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists, shooting 39.6 per cent from the field. His ability to shift momentum in a matter of minutes gives him real value, and securing him for the next two seasons is a strong result for Perth moving forward.
Pepper is currently playing with the Wellington Saints in the New Zealand NBL, where he’ll continue to build his game ahead of what shapes as a bigger role in the 2026–27 NBL season.
3. NBL25 CHAMPS RE-SIGN STAR DEFENDER
The Illawarra Hawks have re-signed Wani Swaka Lo Buluk on a two-year deal, with the second season including an overseas clause, according to ESPN.
The 24-year-old, already a four-time NBL champion, remains a key piece of Illawarra’s future. Widely regarded as one of the league’s premier defenders, he is set to enter his fifth season with the Hawks.
The inclusion of an overseas out clause points to a growing role in 2026-27, with the club backing his continued development and potential to attract international interest.
Swaka Lo Buluk is coming off his most productive scoring season, despite Illawarra falling short in their bid to go back-to-back. Across 33 appearances, he averaged 8.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.6 steals, while shooting an impressive 43.3% from three-point range.
Still yet to hit his ceiling, the upcoming season shapes as a significant opportunity for the four-time champion to take another step forward.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
11. 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.
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