Wildcats offered NBA star in hunt for final piece

Several big names have already been linked to the Perth Wildcats as they continue shaping their roster in search of an import point guard.

It’s a process that has drawn plenty of attention, according to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc.

“Last month, the Wildcats were offered 12-year NBA veteran Patrick Beverley, sources told ESPN, but chose not to meaningfully engage,” Uluc said. 

Beverley has played over 650 NBA games and most recently suited up in Israel before deciding his next move. The 2017 All-Defensive First Team selection and two-time Second Team member had fans raising eyebrows, as reports of his potential link surfaced this week.

“Former NBL guard Travis Trice was also offered to the Wildcats, sources said, but he was another option they weren't interested in,” Uluc continued.

Trice is no stranger to NBL fans, having played for the Cairns Taipans in NBL17 before joining the Brisbane Bullets the following season.

Since then, the 32-year-old has carved out an impressive professional career, highlighted by winning the Puerto Rican league MVP in 2024.

However, Uluc reported on Wednesday that the Wildcats could now be shifting focus, considering a move for point guard JaQuori McLaughlin.

“The 6'4 combo guard spent the pre-season and Blitz with the Illawarra Hawks, but recently began conversations with the Wildcats and there's potential a deal, likely a short-term contract, gets done soon,” he said.

“McLaughlin attended UC Santa Barbara while Wildcats head coach John Rillie was an assistant there. That relationship led to the Wildcats bringing the 27-year-old over to play for their NZNBL sister team, the Otago Nuggets, in 2023.”

Other names that have been floated around this position for Perth have had a strong NBA flavour.

“Recently, the team has sought intel on four-year NBA shooting guard Kobi Simmons, sources said, as well as Mason Jones, who's the reigning NBA G-League Finals MVP. Yuri Collins, a 6'0 point guard who spent the bulk of the 2024-25 season with the Santa Cruz Warriors, is also currently on the Wildcats' radar,” Uluc added.

As the Wildcats take a patient approach in pursuit of their final and potentially most crucial signing ahead of NBL26, one thing remains clear: they’re exploring every possible option.

Read the full story here >> NBL Blitz Buzz: Biggest talking points coming out of Canberra