Bogut says they played in the NBL last season

One of the Breaker imports is my guess.

DJ Hogg maybe?

Probably one of there own imports returning

Just announced - DJ Hogg signing with the Kings on a 2 year deal

Good get there he's a top talent

It'll be big bickies, interesting to see who coaches.

Jakomas and Mellet will control as good they did when he was 12

Not surprised he was lured away by big money. A bugger for Cairns though.

Typical Kings taking another one that Cairns or the lesser cashed clubs can hold onto.

NBL need to start saying no to the transfer and allow low chas clubs to compete better.

Exactly, united the same. You can't blame the players taking the best money opportunity but clubs that scout well should get some sort compensation.

NBL need to start saying no to the transfer and allow low chas clubs to compete better.

It's restraint of trade if you don't allow players to go to other clubs

Worth noting, too, that per Olgun Uluc the Taipans' offer was financially competitive, and money wasn't the deciding factor.

Interesting cause Olgun also said they couldn't afford luxury imports after they spent big on Bul. So which is it?

Winning a title with Sydney would do more for his CV for getting into Europe (or even another NBA contract)

Hogg had a good year in France before the Taipans picked him up. He could go back to Europe if he wanted.

Whats the deal with the "2 year contracts with mutual option for second year" stuff?

Its effectively just a one year contract as neither side is bound to anything after that.

Is it purely a ploy to ensure buy out money if they move to a big money deal next season?

No surprises. Hogg was linked with Sydney immediately after Cairns season ended (as was Pinder which didnt happen)

Players are attracted to bigger markets, bigger crowds and maybe liking potential NBA connections thinking there's another Weaver or Buford coming, and seeing Cooks move to NBA

Is it purely a ploy to ensure buy out money if they move to a big money deal next season?

2nd year mutuals are typically really high in value or really low e.g Hogg 2nd year might be a 200k increase that Sydney might only want to opt in if he dominates and wins mvp etc...or (example) Delly 3rd year mutual could be really low that might be in play if Delly under performs or is injured heaps and Delly wants to continue cause he loves playing.

NBL need to start saying no to the transfer and allow low chas clubs to compete better.

"NBL need to start saying no to the transfer and allow low chas clubs to compete better."

Not to pile on, but wouldn't that just make Cairns a less attractive option for imports to begin with? Or even the NBL as a whole.

It wouldn’t help retention of good players and it would straight up prevent good players signing to begin with.

This is always going to come up and there’s always going to be the question “is there something we can do to keep small markets in a competitive place”.

Small markets should be happy they have a team to support. Not trying to be an arse about it, it's just the reality and it applies everywhere.

That's a fantastic signing for the kings. Probably the most sought after free agent at the moment. If he can stay fit he'd be my pick for MVP at this stage

WC95, it's the other way around if we are honest about it.

League wouldn’t be much good with like 4 teams

With regards to having teams playing and having a thriving NBL, we do need the small markets. A 4 team league would be hard to follow, so I agree with you KET. But at the end of the day, small market teams will always struggle to retain talent, maintain success consistently and win championships every now and again. They would have much different expectations, and unfortunately staying afloat would be one of them. Not to say they can't be well run. Cairns are an excellent organisation. By comparison, Illawarra not so much.

2nd year mutuals are typically really high in value or really low e.g Hogg 2nd year might be a 200k increase that Sydney might only want to opt in if he dominates and wins mvp etc...or (example) Delly 3rd year mutual could be really low that might be in play if Delly under performs or is injured heaps and Delly wants to continue cause he loves playing.

Angus Brandt would be a good fit for Sydney.

I'm guessing the new Head Coach being from Rockets backyard

Potential Import PGs in play
Trevor Hudgins (If not on two way next season)
Daishen Nix
Marcus Foster
TyTy Washington