NBL clubs await Patty's next move

Thursday, May 15, 2025

"I know at least one team ... a team that sits in a big market city that has had a conversation with Patty Mills."

Could Patty Mills be headed back to the NBL?

Landing one of Australia's best ever players would be a big coup for the league, and even at 36 years of age, he looms as one of the most exciting signings for teams and fans alike.

"I would be surprised if Patty at some stage doesn't come and play here. I know that's his want and intent," Kestelman said during a press conference on Monday.

Mills last played in the NBL during the NBA lockout in 2011, when he suited up for the Melbourne Tigers.

According to ESPN's Olgun Uluc and Pete Hooley on The Marketplace, that idea may be more than just be a distant hope.

“I know at least one team, one large market team, a team that sits in a big market city that has had a conversation with Patty Mills,” Uluc said.

“We have spoken about some of the teams that are being patient and waiting to see some of the names that may decide late to come to the NBL ... Patty Mills is technically one of those.

“There are teams that are hopeful that someone like Patty may decide that 'hey, if there’s no NBA opportunity for me', maybe we can slot him in.”

Hooley doubled down on Oluc’s comments, understanding that Mills’ name is certainly in the mix around the rest of the league.

“Speaking to all the teams around this free agency period, Patty’s name is definitely on the whiteboard for a couple of teams and understandably so,” he said.

“Now, what actually happens with it in the long term is a different story. There is a lot to play out.

“It is worth noting that because a lot of teams are being patient, it may just increase the likelihood ever so slightly with each passing week. Because it gives Patty a chance to figure out what he wants to do.”

While signing Mills looms as a challenge, it hasn’t stopped NBL teams from keeping a close eye on his movements and desires across this period.

“Teams are doing their due diligence at the very least in getting in contact with him,” Uluc said.

“We wouldn’t be talking about this if it was a zero per cent chance,” Hooley added.

“The door is open ever so slightly, but the fact that it’s even a conversation that teams are starting to have is really exciting.”