REPORT: Back to the future for Breakers

The New Zealand Breakers have reportedly landed their first local free agent signing with 28-year-old guard, Izayah Le’afa set to join the club for this season and beyond.

“I’m told Izayah Le’afa has agreed to a deal with the Breakers. It is a two-year deal,” ESPN’s Olgun Uluc said on the Marketplace.

“He’s the first Kiwi signing for the Breakers this off-season, so that’s a great thing.”

The New Zealand-born combo guard left the Breakers to join the Sydney Kings last season, where he struggled to continue the good form he had in the three seasons prior.

After beginning his NBL journey for South East Melbourne 2021, Le’afa made his name on the defensive end initially, before expanding his game to a point where had averaged double-figures in scoring for the Breakers in 2023.

“They want to get back to the days that he was with the New Zealand Breakers when he played a key role in their Championship Series run,” Uluc said.

With the new ownership for the club being very vocal on their desire to bring back local talent, Le’afa is the first of hopefully many over the coming seasons for fans.

“I really do think that heading back home, heading back to being in New Zealand where he had some success, with the type of play style that we saw from Petteri Koponen, I think he will be able to get back to his best,” Pete Hooley said.

“It’s a good key piece for the fans to have him locked away for two years to continue to build.”