The signing that would make Perth a contender

The Perth Wildcats are making moves, and Jo Lual-Acuil Jr might be next on their radar.

Fresh off signing Lat Mayen and Sunday Dech this week, the Wildcats' next target could be none other than the former Melbourne United big man, who’s currently playing in Turkey.

It comes off the back of the departure of Bryce Cotton and the likely exit of Keanu Pinder.

A 2021 NBL champion and All-NBL First Team selection in 2022, 'JLA' would be a big addition for a Perth side aiming to rise back to contender status.

“If you get JLA, all of a sudden Perth comes alive,” 10 News' Lachy Reid said on The Marketplace.

“He’s not Bryce Cotton, he’s not going to score you 40 or 50, but underneath the basket he is an enforcer.

“We saw him do that for Melbourne United. He was a crucial part of a championship team for them.

“... a Perth link. A Perth boy. Getting someone like that back is going to be enormous.

“They’ll be chasing him hard. They’ll have to pay overs for him. I’m told he’s pretty settled overseas, but money talks.”

Former Breaker Yanni Wetzell could also be in the mix, should a play for Lual-Acuil Jr. be unsuccessful. 

“I would say he’s number one target right now,” Reid said of Lual-Acuil Jr.

“I’m going hard after JLA. Wetzell’s also an option.

“Get that cheque book out and try and compete with the others.”

The Wildcats have already locked in key imports Dylan Windler and Kristian Doolittle, with the big man vacancy the next piece of the puzzle.

Former NBL MVP Derek Rucker said bringing in a player of Lual-Acuil Jr's calibre is key to the Wildcats' hopes of championship success. 

“It’s a top four team, no doubt,” he added. 

Lual-Acuil Jr. most recently played in the NBL during the 2023-2024 season, averaging 14.5 points and 7.7 rebounds a game.

With momentum building and the roster reloading, Perth’s next big swing might just bring one of their own back home—and with it, a fast track to title contention.