We are less than 24 hours away from the opening of the 2026–27 NBL free agency period, and with the level of talent available, the decisions made over the coming days could reshape the league for next season.
Free agency officially tips off Friday 9am (AEST), setting the stage for what shapes as one of the most compelling off-seasons in recent memory.
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Here, we break down the top 10 most sought-after players on the market, split between local talent and imports, and where their next move could shift the balance of power across the competition.
TOP IMPORTS
1. KENDRIC DAVIS | 26 YRS | GUARD
Coming off one of the most dominant seasons by a second-year import, the 2025-26 NBL Finals MVP and champion is now officially a free agent.
The Sydney Kings star averaged 25.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists across 40 games, shooting 47.1% while rewriting parts of the club’s record book along the way.
Davis has made it clear he is chasing an NBA opportunity, but remains open to a return to the NBL, particularly with the Kings, if that pathway doesn’t materialise.
The Houston-born guard has a genuine chance to become the face of the league if he commits to a long-term deal, especially with a compelling rivalry building against six-time MVP Bryce Cotton.
Whether he returns or not remains to be seen, but the platform is already there for a special NBL career if he chooses to stay.
Likely destination: After a standout season, and given the connection he built throughout the year, there is a real chance he could become a central figure in the NBL’s next growth phase. A return to the Kings on a three-year deal would not be a surprise.
2. JOHN BROWN III | 34 YRS | FORWARD
It is rare to see a debut import make the kind of impact John Brown III delivered in his first season with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Arriving with an extensive resumé built across Europe, including stints in Serbia, Italy, France and Russia, Brown brought proven pedigree on the defensive end. A three-time Defensive Player of the Year, he added another to that collection during the NBL season.
Across 37 games, he averaged 10.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals, shooting 48.5% from the field. His value, though, goes well beyond the stat sheet. Brown’s work on the offensive glass, defensive intensity and willingness to do the small things consistently set him apart.
He is not a high-volume scorer, but his impact comes through experience, basketball IQ and a polished mid-range game, an area he remains among the league’s best.
The Phoenix and Brown are still in discussions over a potential multi-year deal. For now, he remains a free agent, and if he returns, he will once again be a genuine difference-maker.
Likely destination: While he has moved around in his career, Brown III looks set to prioritise stability and a longer-term home. With strong indications the Phoenix are keen to re-sign him, a return to the NBL on at least a two-year deal appears the most likely outcome.
3. TYSON WALKER | 25 YRS | GUARD
In his first stint overseas, Tyson Walker delivered an impressive two-way season with Melbourne United.
The former Michigan State and Northeastern guard arrived with little profile, having spent limited time in professional leagues outside a G League run with the Texas Legends, the affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. It didn’t take long for that to change.
As the season unfolded, Walker established himself as one of the league’s most reliable two-way guards, blending scoring, playmaking and defensive pressure across 34 games.
He averaged 14.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game, shooting 44.5% from the field. His defensive ceiling was particularly striking, recording two of the highest single-game steal totals in the league this season with eight and seven.
Quiet and grounded off the court, Walker is already attracting strong interest. The Perth Wildcats are among the teams linked, with the club under pressure to secure a championship-calibre point guard.
Like Kendric Davis, Walker has the tools to develop into one of the league’s premier imports. At just 25, there is a clear runway for further growth if he chooses to build his career in Australia.
Likely destination: If Walker chooses to return to the league, the Perth Wildcats are strongly positioned after being heavily linked to his signature. That said, he is expected to draw widespread interest from multiple clubs in need of a two-way guard.
4. CASEY PRATHER | 34 YRS | FORWARD
Already an NBL legend by any measure, the three-time champion enters free agency off the back of a serious knee injury suffered in November, which required surgery to address a hardware-related issue.
The setback ruled him out for the remainder of the season, but before that, Prather was in the midst of a remarkable run stretching back to NBL25. Prior to the injury, he was averaging 24.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals, shooting 49.3% from the field. At that stage, he was firmly in MVP conversations despite Brisbane’s slow start.
Now just over five months into his recovery, Prather is working his way back to full fitness, with interest from across the league expected. He has already shown throughout his career that injuries have not dulled his scoring ability.
Beyond the numbers, his leadership and character arguably carry just as much value. The Bullets, now under new head coach Will Weaver, have a decision to make. Re-signing him would be a strong show of faith, though some caution is understandable given the injury.
One thing feels certain, Prather will be back in the NBL next season. The only question is whether he will still be in a Bullets jersey.
Likely destination: The Brisbane Bullets would be well placed to retain Prather for his experience alone, but with a new head coach in place, a broader reset may be on the cards. He is expected to be on an NBL roster next season, though his landing spot remains unclear at this stage.
5. BRYCE HAMILTON | 25 YRS | GUARD
One of the more intriguing imports in this free agency period is debutant Bryce Hamilton, who impressed for the Tasmania JackJumpers before suffering a season-ending ACL injury in January.
Hamilton arrived off the back of a strong campaign with the Rostock Seawolves in Germany and made an immediate impact, scoring 20 or more points in each of his first three games. Early on, he looked every bit a potential MVP contender.
His season had its ups and downs, but the highs were significant, including a career-best 36-point performance against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, a clear sign he can score against elite defensive teams. Across 27 games, he averaged 18.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists, shooting 46.9 per cent from the field.
While he is not expected to return until at least November, the JackJumpers have shown interest in retaining the high-scoring guard. A multi-year deal would be a strong vote of confidence, provided they can manage the early part of the season without him.
There will be no shortage of interest across the league. An import with proven scoring ability and a solid sample size at NBL level is a valuable asset, even with the injury setback.
Likely destination: The Tasmania JackJumpers are well placed to secure a potential long-term piece for their roster and take a patient approach as he recovers from an ACL injury. If Hamilton chooses to return to the NBL, Tasmania looks the most natural fit.
TOP LOCALS
1. SAM WAARDENBURG | 27 YRS | FORWARD
After four consecutive seasons with the Cairns Taipans, Sam Waardenburg is officially on the open market, with a change of scenery looming following confirmation he will not return to the club he has called home since 2022.
Limited to just eight games due to ongoing foot injuries, the New Zealand-born forward still shapes as one of the most in-demand local free agents available.
A rare stretch-four entering his prime, Waardenburg offers versatility that is highly valuable in today’s game, making him a key piece for any team looking to add size and skill.
Despite the injury setbacks, he averaged 15.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists across his appearances, shooting an efficient 56.5 per cent from the field.
He is currently linked to both Melbourne United and the New Zealand Breakers as interest builds around one of the market’s most intriguing local prospects.
Likely destination: With his time at the Cairns Taipans now over, a return to New Zealand is becoming increasingly likely. Melbourne United remain in the mix, but at this stage a move home feels the more natural fit, even if it is not yet locked in.
2. WILL MAGNAY | 27 YRS | CENTER
Entering his 10th NBL season, Will Magnay remains one of the league’s most intriguing big men. While injuries have disrupted his continuity, his defensive ceiling is among the highest in the competition.
At his best, Magnay can change a game in an instant. His rim protection and timing, particularly as a shot-blocker, set him apart. Even after a season-ending toe injury earlier this year, interest around the league has not cooled.
He featured in 24 games this season, his highest tally since 2019–20, averaging 10.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 53.4% from the field. Those numbers underline his impact as one of the NBL’s premier defensive anchors.
The Brisbane-born center is drawing attention from several teams in need of frontcourt presence, including Melbourne United, the Cairns Taipans and of course, the Tasmania JackJumpers, a place he’s called him for the past five seasons.
There is no clear indication yet on his next move. A return to Tasmania remains firmly in play, though opportunities in Europe could also emerge if the right offer comes along.
Likely destination: He has helped deliver Tasmania’s first championship and has been a key part of the program for several years. Despite the injury concerns, a return to the JackJumpers still looks the most likely outcome, although rival clubs could certainly test the waters.
3. ELIJAH PEPPER | 24 YRS | GUARD
Coming off the best season of his young career, Elijah Pepper shapes as one of the most dangerous shooters on the free agency market.
After two seasons with the Perth Wildcats, the 24-year-old is staying active in the off-season with the Wellington Saints in New Zealand while he weighs up his next move for NBL27.
Known for his streaky but explosive scoring, Pepper can flip a game in a matter of minutes with his high-volume shooting from beyond the arc. Across 37 games this season, he posted career highs of 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals, shooting 39.6% from the field. That included a standout 25-point performance against the Cairns Taipans.
The expectation is that he will return to the Wildcats, though his skill set is one plenty of teams could use. If his trajectory continues, he has the tools to develop into a consistent 14 to 15 point per game scorer in the right system.
Likely destination: The Perth Wildcats would be wise to keep him as he moves closer to his prime, with a strong case for continuity here. A two-year deal would make sense as they look to push back into championship contention.
4. BUL KUOL | 29 YRS | GUARD/FORWARD
Fresh off his first NBL championship, Bul Kuol put together one of the strongest seasons of his career, despite a campaign that was ultimately cut short by an ACL injury in January.
Before going down, Kuol was firmly in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation, regularly taking on the league’s most dangerous scorers and showing exactly why the Kings brought him in as a marquee signing.
He now enters free agency after Sydney declined his mutual option for the 2026-27 season.
In 22.6 minutes per game prior to the injury, Kuol averaged 6.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 steal, shooting an efficient 51.7% from the field. His impact, though, was felt most on the defensive end, where his length and versatility made him a constant problem for opposition offences.
The Adelaide 36ers have been strongly linked, with the club keen to add a long, defensive presence following the departure of Troy Brown Jr. Given the injury, Kuol presents as a potential high-risk, high-reward signing, one that could pay off significantly if he returns to full fitness.
Likely destination: His time with the Sydney Kings appears to be coming to an end, with sources indicating to Fox Sports Australia that there is strong interest from the Adelaide 36ers in securing the defensive standout’s signature.
5. MAKUACH MALUACH | 27 YRS | FORWARD
Coming off the best season of his career with the Sydney Kings, Makuach Maluach has put himself in a strong position heading into free agency, with the potential to command career-high earnings.
The NBL champion earned consistent praise from head coach Brian Goorjian throughout the season, delivering his most complete campaign in his fourth year in the league, and third with the Kings.
Across 38 appearances, he averaged 8.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.6 steals, shooting 48.0% from the field. His athleticism and ability to finish above the rim stood out, while the energy he brought off the bench in around 20 minutes per game did not go unnoticed.
While still developing, Maluach is now 27 and entering his physical and mental prime. With the right role, he looms as a genuine dark horse for Most Improved next season.
There is clear upside in his game, and as a result, he is likely to attract strong interest as one of the more intriguing local options on the market.
Likely destination: Similar to Elijah Pepper, this shapes as a straightforward decision for the Kings. Expect Maluach to re-sign on a multi-year deal and become one of the club’s key long-term pieces moving forward.
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