Travers set to draw NBL, global interest

Luke Travers is expected to be one of the hottest names on the NBL free agency market, with the Cairns Taipans among the first clubs to declare their interest in the former Cleveland Cavaliers young gun.

Travers was waived by the Cavaliers last week, leaving the 24-year-old without an NBA home heading into the off-season.

While he’s sure to attract interest worldwide after another impressive G League campaign, Cairns coach Adam Forde says the Taipans will be in the race for his signature.

“He’s a phenomenal talent and he’s such an athlete,” Forde said.

“I’ll be surprised if he’s not also getting some very lucrative offers in Europe.

“I mean, Asia now is offering million-dollar contracts just to play a 10-month season in Japan or China. So it’s not just other NBL clubs you’re battling with.”

The Taipans have been smashed with injuries and unavailability this season and face an uncertain off-season period with only Jack McVeigh (mutual option), Reyne Smith (team option) and Mawot Mag (team option) contracted for next season.

Perth coach John Rillie was a little more trivial in his response.

“Always interviewing,” he said, when posed the question on Travers, a former Wildcat.