REPORT: Teams circling Kings' championship star

The NBL27 Free Agency is looming as an intriguing one for reigning champions Sydney.

While they have the likes of Xavier Cooks, Matthew Dellavedova, Jaylin Galloway, Tyler Robertson, Kouat Noi and Jason Spurgin all under contract and have reportedly agreed to a new two-year deal for Keli Leaupepe, it appears the Kings could have a vastly different roster in NBL27.

ESPN’s Olgun Uluc is also reporting the 36ers are in advanced talks to sign defensive wing Bul Kuol, which follows a similar report linking fellow King Kouat Noi away from the Harbour City.

Now, on Friday’s special Free Agency edition of The Marketplace, presented by Paywise, NBL champion Pete Hooley explained how another Kings champion might be on the move too.

The Jaylin Galloway [situation] is a big one, and other teams are monitoring it because they have their eyes on what could be a superstar in this league,” Hooley said on The Marketplace, presented by Paywise.

“He is still so young, and we’ve seen the way that he's shooting the ball now. The shooting was the reason that he didn't stick in the NBA with his first opportunity.

“It's not going to be his last opportunity [in the NBA], but I know there are some teams that are monitoring it very closely, because if he becomes available, they’re going to throw everything at him.”

1990 NBL MVP Derek Rucker, who ranked Galloway at spot 14 in his Top 15, knows how valuable Galloway can be in the competition.

“The talent and the attributes [are there], and the shooting was exceptional in the Championship Series,” Rucker said.

“It’s one of the key reasons why Sydney won that championship.

“We've seen the athleticism, the enthusiasm and his defensive capabilities.

“I think putting the ball on the deck and being able to defend are areas that still are, while good right now, they can still improve a lot more with the hope of him getting to the NBA.”

While Uluc agrees this is a situation to monitor for teams, he was also quick to remind his colleague that Galloway is still contracted with the Kings for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season.

In other Kings news, Uluc reports Sydney has tabled a two-year offer for Championship Series MVP Kendric Davis.

While the guard is keen to extend his time in Sydney, he is also weighing up his overseas options, including the NBA.