Why the next two weeks could define your team's hopes

19 Jul 2026

NBA contract decisions are set to trigger a rush of import signings as clubs finalise their NBL27 rosters.

By

NBL.com.au

The next two weeks could define the fortunes of NBL teams as they assemble their rosters for the upcoming season.

With NBA Summer League coming to a close, clubs face the ultimate balancing act: waiting for top talent to become available or moving quickly before a rival team, or league strikes.

“I think a lot of players in Summer League are thinking between July 20 and 30, you’re probably hoping to get a two-way (NBA deal) locked in,” ESPN’s Olgun Uluc said on The Marketplace, presented by Paywise.

“If you don’t have that locked in, an E10 (Exhibit 10) potential training camp deal ... if they’re not locked in, then you’ve got to gauge what’s good for your career. Is that somewhere in Europe? Is that somewhere in Asia? Or is that the NBL?

“Once a lot of those prospective imports know that, then I think we’ll see a flurry of signings.”

The Illawarra Hawks are among the clubs reportedly prepared to play the waiting games as they search for the final pieces of their roster.

“I sat with Mat Campbell (GM Basketball) and Justin Tatum three days ago in Vegas, and it feels like they’re going to be patient, like a lot of teams,” Uluc said.

“They’re waiting to see what happens with these Summer League guys who might get two-ways or E10s.

“They’re out there, but they functionally have two spots to fill.”

Tyler Harvey has been a constant throughout the Hawks’ rise, but getting their remaining two import decisions right will be crucial.

Trey Kell III and Darius Days played major roles in Illawarra’s historic NBL25 championship, while JaVale McGee delivered huge numbers in NBL26. However, the Hawks began last season on the back foot when import JaQuori McLaughlin was cut after just three games.

“With the Blitz not very far away, I think it will be a flurry, because when I go through my list of what teams need import-wise, most teams need two or three imports right now,” Uluc said.

“There’s a lot to get done. Right now, we’re in a holding pattern for just a little bit longer until Summer League ends and until the NBA options are exhausted for these guys.

“Then I think we’ll see them come to the NBL.”