Focus on Norton and Mooney as a priority.
Other signings shouldn't be rushed you always look at the options available before deciding.
Plenty of talent on the list .

Wondering if the GF series just delayed a few talks. Might see rapid movement next week

I can see (hope) Norton coming back, possible captaincy in the future and the knowledge it's a 90% you'll be playing for a title again next season are big pulls. I personally hope Magnay comes back, he looked better each game once he could train with the team and get some reps in people clearly don't understand how hard it is for a pro athlete to sit and then be expected to play at a high level, his NBA game was in March or something and he signed with wildcats in May.

Mooney is the big one though he's a must

Norton on JJ list, could ask for overs, Kay agent asking 450/80k a season, it's probably his European package equal, can Japan match this, still not convinced he won't be back in Perth or at JJ. Bairstow is a very good bench option at Perth or elsewhere

In today's West Australian newspaper, Trevor said Kay won't be back

I wouldn't think another team would offer Steindl enough to move unless Perth were offering nothing OR he was already planning to move?

I could see Steindl looking elsewhere if he was chasing a larger role.

My early list
Based on assumptions at this early stage..

Norton?
Cotton * ( will get citizenship one day!)
Blanchfield
Mooney*?
Import* could even keep Magnay? Use import spot elsewhere.

White?
Lo Buluk ?
Travers ( will play big mins covering multiple positions).
Steindl?
J Bairstow or free agent
Majok or free agent.

Shervill likely to go elsewhere.
Britt too old for DP in 2022.
Keep Ferguson as DP , find more DP.

Too many variables at this point.

Once Cotton is a local strengthen bench with import combo guard.

We've got a big problem if Norton leaves, he's been groomed into the leader role that Damo held for so long, hopefully we can sign him to a long term deal. We need that consistency in the side.

Agreed. Given we've already got Cotton, Blanchfield & Travers signed, Norton is the other obvious one. (Mooney would be great too of course if he is open to staying down under)
Assuming Trev re-signs as well, with that core group the rest should take care of itself even if there is some turnover.

With the JJs coming in, there's a "once-off" uptick in demand. Meaning guys who would otherwise be relegated to the end of the bench on one year minimum deals, could attract 2~3 year deals elsewhere.
Guys with choices aren't likely to be attracted there without bigger offers, but there could be opportunities for guys like Steindl.
And there's no guarantee he's being offered a spot at Perth.

Interested to know who we should target from other teams? Before Norton came along I was always interested in Ili as a replacement for Damo eventually, we don't necessarily have that need any more, but who has that 'Wildcats' vibe about them?

"We've got a big problem if Norton leaves"

There's clearly something in the wind (no pun intended)
That they haven't already signed him, indicates he was waiting for Free Agency. Maybe just to see what was offered?

Presumably JJs are offering him the inaugural Captaincy, on a long-term deal and very good money. He's be a good pickup for any team, but I think would fit in very well with the culture they're trying to build in Tassie.

Perth need another guard and should have import slots free, so maybe that's an option to replace Norton if he leaves.

Looking over the list of free agents, I think Humphries is the only one that would fit if Magnay were to move on which I'd assume he will. If Steindl leaves, then I can't really see another bench sharp shooter to replace him.

Shervill has the potential to replace Steindl.
Also we need to think about college guys and other overseas based players.

Assuming Trev re-signs as well, with that core group the rest should take care of itself even if there is some turnover.

^ yeah, you're quite right. 1 year left. My bad.

Yes, bare minimum they need another point guard and a guard that can score, maybe in the one player.
But would probably come off the bench, with Norton starting

If you are the Wildcats you would know you weren't 'that' far off this season, so only tweaks would be required.

Majok will be back for Jervis.
Shervill shows promise.
Steindl regressed, would his offer reflect that and trigger a move?
Wagstaff could retire given his age and underpar showing this playoffs.
Kevin White, I have often been critical of but went above and beyond his role this playoffs, worthy of another role in the team.
Magnay has been underwhelming this season but has promise and upside.
Mooney you would want back again.
Norton likewise personifies Wildcats basketball and is worthy of bringing back.
Britt often turned the ball over.

I think Shervill seems to be able to hit shots, and could replace Steindl although does not move and shoot off the dribble as well as Steindl.

This team seems to do well without a legit dominant Centre but one that plays a defensive role well, would Hodgson be a target?

Just because he's had this injury doesn't mean he's inclined to increase his likelihood of the injury happening again, it just depends on the contact you receive and he was unlucky to cop multiple knocks to the same area. Players cop these knocks all the time in contact sports and as far as I know they recover fully, even if they were on the more serious side like Cotton. He'll be back to his MVP form soon enough, I'd say he'd be back in the gym very soon, running jumping and shooting.

I do agree with needing some offensive support, not sure of the ideal spots to squeeze in another 2 imports if Mooney stays. We usually go after scoring SF's, but Blanchfield has shown he's more than capable of covering that spot. i'd be inclined to leave Mooney at C and bring in a 3 & D import at the PF spot.

Like so many times, it will depend on who's available and at what cost.
It's no coincidence that we at times struggled against bigger frontcourts. Magnay was meant to solve that. Does he stick around?

Mooney was the best PF in the league. The fact that he could match it against most of the Centres, adds to his versatility. So why negate that?

We'll obviously have to put decent money into either an import or marquee. If you hire another 4 as a starter, them we're stuck with a permanently undersize starting 5.

As to whether we need another 3/4, I'd say definitely not, but it will depend on retentions. Last season we had Bairstow, Wagstaff, and Travers all play at the 4, and we had Blanchfield and Shervill if we needed to go smaller.

Will there be an NBL Cup in 2021-22 and beyond?

Maybe we can try three-peating in that.

"Norton has indicated he will stay. Mooney is gone . Europe or the NBA. His stocks have fallen a bit."

Source?

"Mooney is gone . Europe or the NBA. His stocks have fallen a bit."

technically he's right cause Trev said in the press conference after game 3 he was going straight from MEL back home to the States.

As far as coming back he said he's interested and I think people really don't understand how hard it is to crack NBA he may want security and not have to gamble on a G League contract/call up only to get cut after a few weeks.
but you can guarantee the Wildcats handed him a contract to look over while he was on the flight

Mooney was signed to play the 4 and only got pushed to the 5 with Majok injury

so if they get a 5 (Plumlee back or another Import or happy to keep Moon at the 5?) Id be happy for Magnay to come back.
Majok may not be ready to go again at seasons start which will be under 12 months since he did his Achilles. I hope they give Ferg the 5 mins a game Jervis was playing this year to help him develop.

Britt regressed big time this year and could have done something but with Cotton out, Norton limited and Trev still had no faith in him hes not coming back.

Obviously Mooney has gone home, that has no bearing on whether (or where) he plays next season ffs. What, you think because he's gone home to the USA, that means he's playing NBA?

Again obviously he'd give his right nut to play NBA, but what are his chances. He'd be undersized even for a 4.
I hope he gets his shot, but I also hope he doesn't become another who gets sucked into sitting on his arse for 6 months waiting for an opportunity that never comes.

Europe, yep, we've said all along that was a possibility. He'd make a good showing as a small but versatile PF in most Euro leagues. Who knows if he gets an offer or is even interested.
Conceptually, it doesn't alter the structure. It's him or another import.

Jook's a F/A. But I don't even know if he's back training yet, and I don't see anyone beating a path to his door.
He's only ever going to be a bench player, and occasional starter. It wouldn't be the worst thing to start the season with Tommy or Ferg on the bench.
At this rate, we'll have to start referring to Jervis as "Nelly."

Jervis is normally serviceable with his length, this season he lost it all somehow.

I'd take Majok if healthy.

Mudronja linked to Perth or Cairns according to Aussie hoopla.
Please go to Cairns Mudronja.

Jervis is cooked.
I would look for another backup, Majok can look elsewhere.

I'm hearing that Jackjumpers are in talks with several Perth players,it will be interesting to see who we can pick up because we are yet to land a big fish.

Norton, ? , White now my 11man.
Cotton, Travers 1-4 ( not sure his best position)
Blanchfield, Shervill?
Mooney or Import. ?
Import or local. ?

If Cotton naturalized in time then get combo import off bench.

ROFL
Yeah, Wildcats being the most successful team in the league, is all down to good luck

According to many on here we had the most injury luck despite it costing us a Grand Final series.

"Compare Adelaide and Brisbane - both beat Cat when they had their full strength teams"
OMG, you sound like a Dockers' supporter

Melbourne United had the most injury luck and it occurred in a Grand Final series.

Not unhappy with Wagstaff signing. He played injured during playoffs.

Early days in roster structure. People will write Perth off which I don't mind.

Norton. ?
Cotton. ?
Blanchfield. ?
?? , Travers, Wagstaff.
??, ?

Lo Buluk, Shervill, Bairstow, Majok and White remain unsigned. Not a good idea to sign any of them quickly except maybe Shervill without looking at other options first.

Still 2 import spots and possible Cotton citizenship to shape the roster also.

I'd say currently we're looking at something like:

NORTON / Local(White) / DP
COTTON / Import / Shervill
BLANCH / Local
Import / TRAVERS / WAGSTAFF
L or I / JOOK / Ferg

I still think we're chasing a Local Centre, and Trev will trust his system and staff to get the best out of someone for 20 minutes a game.
It seems it won't Magnay, Reath, or even Brandt, but there's still a few others floating around.

We would currently have two import slots available.
Number one priority is Mooney or a similar gun.
Number two (unless one falls out of the local woodwork) has got to be another guard
Maybe, If & When Cotton naturalises, that frees up another spot for a cheaper centre???

Resigns, or re-signs?

Jook has just re-signed fro two years.
Says he's been working hard, so hopefully is back to full fitness. Good to see.
Not earth-shattering news, LOL, but a good piece of the puzzle.

Plumlee still a chance to return?

If they can't secure a local starting Centre, AND Cotton naturalises, then yes Big Plums would be a chance.
really impressed last time around with his work-rate and IQ.

Not sure of the origins of the Jonah Antonio rumours, or exactly what his status is?
He declared for the draft, but my understanding is that the NCAA gave players the option of returning to college for another year?

Yeah, I think people like to keep talking about Plumlee, but even if he's been keeping fit, he would need to be in preseason training about now.

Miles Plumlee is the new Mike Dunigan.

Norton.
Cotton.
Blanchfield, Travers
Import. Wagstaff
Import. Majok.

Still 3 bench spots. If by some chance we can snag a local starting big that frees up import spot on bench.

White could return..

STEINDL, LO BULUK, MOONEY, BAIRSTOW, MAGNAY, all gone.

NORTON
An important re-signing

COTTON
Is the incumbent MVP when fit, and will be huge if he naturalises

BLANCHFIELD
Played some of his best ball last season, hopefully that continues under new coach.

SHERVILL
An important part of our future, and great to get one more season as a DP

WAGSTAFF
Will provide leadership and stability. Just hope we're not too dependent on big minutes from him.

TRAVERS
Going to be great to continue watching him develop

MAJOK
Good to see he's fit and working hard. Great value off the bench, and can start when needed.

That's 6 players, including 3.5 starters.
Still need at least 2 locals, probably 3.

UNKNOWN:
BRITT - Didn't thrive under Trev. Could a new coach re-launch his career??
WHITE - Could he squeeze out one more year, given our pressing need for a backup PG?
FERG - Ripping it up in NBL1. Should still qualify as a DP
JERVIS - If Cotton doesn't naturalise in time, could we start the season with Jook starting and Ferg & Tommy on the bench?

TARGETS?

IMPORTS could be anybody (except Mooney). Walker always seems to get perennial interest, due to his friendship with Cotton. Terrico is playing in Puerto Rico, might he be interested in returning for a bench 2/3 role?
Otherwise, yeah, who knows. Maybe new coach goes for import 4 AND 5, straight up.

LOCALS - not many quality players still floating around.
Bairstow, Hodgson, and Froling, apparently the only bigs available. (Assuming Reath to Hawks in true, and Motum stays o/s)
For guards, there was talk of Mudronja being linked to Perth, but who else is still floating around.

With Trev gone, it's very hard to predict which way we're going to lean...