REPORT: Championship star to depart Hawks

Friday, June 27, 2025

free agency

Trey Kell III has reportedly signed a deal overseas, meaning he'll depart the Illawarra Hawks.

Trey Kell III is set to leave the Illawarra Hawks, with ESPN’s Olgun Uluc reporting the All-NBL First Team guard is heading to Japan.

A key figure in the Hawks’ NBL25 Championship run, Kell III has signed with the Toyama Grouses in the B.LEAGUE.

Kell spent the past three seasons across three NBL clubs. He started with South East Melbourne in NBL23, impressed with Adelaide, and most recently helped deliver Illawarra’s first title in 24 years.

Trey Kell - who won an NBL title with the Illawarra Hawks last season - has signed with the Toyama Grouses in Japan’s B League, sources told ESPN, in a deal negotiated by SLASH.
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) June 27, 2025

The 29-year-old shared a thank you with fans via social media, effectively confirming his move.

“S/O (shoutout) Illawarra for the great year,” he said via Instagram.

“… one that will be remembered forever. I’ll definitely be watching the banner ceremony.”

He averaged 17.7 points, 4.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game during the Hawks’ title-winning campaign. His standout Game 5 included 26 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists against Melbourne United.

The Hawks now have two import spots to fill ahead of NBL26.