Aussie star in Phoenix’s plans
SOUTH East Melbourne Phoenix officials will renew talks with Australian NBA star Matthew Dellavedova about an eventual NBL homecoming following reports the guard has been traded from Milwaukee back to former club Cleveland.
Dellavedova’s potential Cleveland homecoming has prompted passionate Cavaliers to rejoice but his stay could be short-lived.
There are also reports the deal needs to be completed quickly as under NBA rules players traded before December 7 (US time) can still be moved again before the trade deadline in February.
Regardless, Dellavedova has one year and about $10 million left on his NBA contract.
This hasn’t stopped officials from the Phoenix – NBL’s newest franchise – from previously reaching out to the Boomers guard about playing in Australia when the time is right.
These discussions will be revisited following Dellavedova’s trade from Milwaukee to Cleveland, which has placed uncertainty over his NBA future until a deal is officially finalised.
South East Melbourne would love to add Dellave- dova’s experience to its line-up, which is shaping up strongly for the franchise’s maiden NBL season in 2019-2020.
The Phoenix has already signed former Adelaide star Mitch Creek, while it has its sights set on fellow 36ers like Nathan Sobey.
Depending on the longterm NBA prospects of Dellavedova, the Maryborough-born guard could also link up with the franchise.
However, if it happens, it won’t be until at least the 2020-2021 NBL season if not later, if Dellavedova picks up another contract to remain in the NBA.