The biggest NBL25 signings so far

It’s been one of the busiest free agency periods we have seen in some time. With some big re-signings and some key pieces changing clubs, it’s all setting up for an incredible NBL25 campaign. 

As the off-season rolls on and teams continue to try and piece together a championship puzzle, I’ve taken a look at some players I believe could have the biggest impact for their new team.

RELATED: Every Free Agency move so far | Roster Tracker

New horizons

Derrick Walton Jr 
South East Melbourne Phoenix

South East Melbourne had already got off to a strong start in free agency with quality local signings, and then they knocked it out of the park with this one.

The former Larry Sengstock Trophy winner is the perfect piece for the Phoenix to build something special in NBL25.

Walton Jr averaged 16 points and six assists during his season at the Kings and stood up when it mattered most during the Championship Series.

What he brings to South East Melbourne is exactly what they’ve been looking for. He slots in alongside Nathan Sobey in the backcourt and it could prove to be one of the most formidable guard duos to stop in the NBL.

Bul Kuol
Sydney Kings

Bul Kuol to the Sydney Kings seems like a match made in heaven with Brian Goorjian at the helm.

Kuol’s well respected as one of the best defenders in the league and that could only improve under a Goorjian style of play and the rest of the roster around him.

During his three seasons at Cairns, Kuol steadily improved his offensive output and transformed himself into much more than just a ‘3 and D’ player that he was when he entered the league. Kuol averaged 12.7 points a game last season and shot 41 per cent from the three across 27 games.

He could be set for a huge season in the purple and gold. 

Kyrin Galloway
Cairns Taipans

The is one of the off-season moves that I’m most looking forward to seeing play out going forward.

Galloway is entering his fifth year in the NBL and all signs point to a breakout season under Adam Forde in NBL25.

He is the exact type of player that seems to thrive in Forde’s system, with what he brings on both ends of the floor.

We saw glimpses of Galloway's talent during the back end of NBL24 with the 36ers and it highlighted a young player desperate for more opportunity to continue to grow his game. He will get all those chances and more to deliver in Cairns with his ability to get out in transition, finish above the rim and knock down the outside shot. Don’t be surprised when Galloway is in contention to win the Most Improved Player at the end of next season. 

Nathan Sobey
South East Melbourne Phoenix

Sobey may be 33, but last season showcased that he still has plenty left in the tank. 

The Olympic bronze medallist averaged 20 points, four rebounds and 2.6 assists across 27 games and looked back to his old self, after returning from injury.

In fact he’s only averged over 20 points in a season twice in his 10-year career, with the other time being the NBL21 season, where he finished top three in the MVP race.

The change in scenery for Sobey could be exactly what he needs to chase an NBL title as he enters the back end of his stellar career. Whilst he struggled shooting from the three last season, hitting at just 27.8 per cent, one would expect his efficiency to improve with some big offensive weapons around him, in Mitch Creek and Derrick Walton Jr.

Jonah Bolden
New Zealand Breakers

Jonah Bolden returned to the court last season after significant time away from the game and showed flashes of the NBA-calibre player we had previously seen. 

Bolden has a very unique skill set for his size that can prove to be particularly dominant in the NBL. We saw that on full display during his game against Perth in Round 9. He put up 28 points in just 22 minutes, including knocking down seven threes.

It’s a very intriguing proposition for Bolden to join the Breakers next season and one that could see him elevate his game to another level.

Last season, Bolden only played more than 20 mins in ten games and you’d expect that number to rise significantly in NBL25.

Adding his ability to play down low and also space the floor will be a big weapon for the Breakers’ electrifying guard, Parker Jackson-Cartwright to go to work. 

Back for more

Xavier Cooks - reported
Sydney Kings

It’s been reported by Olgun Uluc that Xavier Cooks looks set to return to the Kings after his time overseas and what a signing it will be for Sydney.

What makes this even more significant is the pieces that the Kings have recruited to complement the former MVP.

Adding Kuol and Izayah Le’afa, while also recruiting some high level college talent, have the Kings set to play an exciting brand of basketball under Brian Goorjian.

Expect them to be incredibly tough defensively and also be one of the quickest-paced teams offensively, which will perfectly suit Xavier Cooks. 

Parker Jackson-Cartwright
New Zealand Breakers

It can’t be underestimated just how big of a re-signing this is for the New Zealand Breakers.

After finishing as an MVP finalist last season, you can expect Jackson-Cartwright to return with a bit of a chip on his shoulder and some unfinished business.

What makes this signing even more significant are the early pieces that Mody Maor has recruited to put around his star guard. Both Bolden and Sam Mennenga’s ability to knock down the outside shot is going to allow Jackson-Cartwright to thrive in the open floor, which is also where Mojave King will do his best work.

Mitch McCarron’s playmaking and defensive intensity are also a crucial piece to the Breakers puzzle, as what he brings to the team is vastly different than Jackson-Cartwright. 

Will Magnay 
Tasmania JackJumpers

While this re-signing occurred earlier than many other pieces, Magnay is part of the foundation that is the JackJumpers success.

Since getting healthy, Magnay has put the league on notice as one of the most dominant big men around.

There aren’t too many other centers around that can still have a big impact on winning without scoring the ball, but that’s exactly what he has proven time and time again.

His size and athleticism set him apart as one of the best defenders in the league and as his offensive game continues to improve, Magnay looks primed to launch an assault on NBL25.