REPORT: United eyes next target

With free agency in full swing, two major dominoes have reportedly already fallen, according to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc.

Those names are Matthew Dellavedova, who is said to be headed to the Sydney Kings, and Flynn Cameron, who is reportedly joining the Adelaide 36ers.

With both guards choosing to leave Melbourne United, Uluc reported on The Marketplace that last season’s runners-up have turned their attention to a key local playing overseas.

“One name I’m told they’ve reached out to and have strong interest in — and is a high priority — is Finn Delany,” he said.

With Jack White declining his player option to return to Melbourne, United now have a significant hole at the power forward position — one Delany could fill nicely.

“It’s interesting every time I hear Finn Delany’s name, because over the past couple of seasons, if a team was interested, he would always flag that he’d like to stay in Europe,” Uluc said.

“He hasn’t said no, I’m not interested in this — and that, to me, is notable.”

Delany is currently playing for Veltex Shizuoka and is putting together a very strong season in Japan. Before heading overseas, he enjoyed plenty of success with the New Zealand Breakers, dating back to his debut in 2015.

“Delany ticks a lot of boxes that Dean Vickerman looks for in that starting power forward spot. So he is someone they’re chasing very hard,” Uluc added.

As he mentioned, it’s not the first time teams have tried to lure the local big man back to the NBL — but perhaps this year could be different.

“He has a relationship with Dean Vickerman as well,” Pete Hooley noted.

“That seems like a big reason why he would be open about a potential return to the NBL.”