Big decisions loom for Kings stars

They may have both recently been crowned NBL26 champions, but two key pieces of this season’s Sydney Kings squad could be in different colours next campaign.

According to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc, both Koaut Noi and Bul Kuol might not be playing in the Harbour City during the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season.

Firstly, despite having his third-year team option picked up by the Kings, Uluc believes there’s a real possibility Noi could move on.

“The team option [on Noi’s contract] was picked up by the Sydney Kings, who want to keep him; however, there is a possibility that he could find a new home,” Uluc said on The Marketplace, presented by Paywise.

“There's a feeling he has a desire to play somewhere else, so other teams are monitoring that situation.

“The idea of him potentially spreading his wings somewhere else, combined with some family and personal reasons is why potentially one of the Queensland teams might be a better landing spot.

“Do I expect him to be in a Sydney Kings jersey come the start of NBL27? No, I don't. So, that's the situation worth keeping an eye on.”

While appreciating the reasons behind Noi reportedly wanting to explore his options, 1990 MVP Derek Rucker wonders if the forward’s post-season performances had an impact.

“Is that because he did not perform well in the post-season?” Rucker said.

“Or do you think this was something that prior to the post-season was being considered and reinforced by the fact he played well below his level in the Playoffs?

“I'm just curious what's been the catalyst for this kind of anti-Noi sentiment.

“[Because if he does leave] I’m worried about them losing that spirit and swag that he brings, which can’t be underestimated when putting a roster together.”

In response, fellow panellist Pete Hooley explained it likely had more to do with the South Sudanese international wanting an expanded role.

“It's more of the fact that if you look at this team’s building for the foreseeable future and his role [off the bench],” Hooley said.

“Is he a starter-calibre player on some teams? Yeah, he absolutely could be.

“So, it is more do I want to continue to do this in the same role behind Xavier Cooks and [potentially] win championships or do I go to another team, become one of their main offensive weapons and challenge myself?”

Then, on Noi’s fellow South Sudanese teammate Kuol, Uluc explained that the two parties are ‘renegotiating’ a new deal for the defensive dynamo.

“With Bul Kuol, it was a mutual option; it was not picked up, and the two sides are renegotiating an extension,” he said.

“We will see where that heads, as I can't get a sense right now whether those talks are positive or not so positive right now, but at the very least they are renegotiating an extension.

“Boul Kuol, obviously a really important part of that mid-season surge from the Sydney Kings. So we'll see what happens there.”

As it stands, the Sydney Kings have Xavier Cooks, Matthew Dellavedova, Jaylin Galloway, Keli Leaupepe, Tyler Robertson, Noi and Jason Spurgin under contract for next season.

The NBL27 Free Agency period opens at 9am AEST on Friday, April 17.