Uluc’s mega free agency update

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

A slew of big names are set to hit the free agency market and ESPN's Olgun Uluc has provided an update on their potential movements.

ESPN news breaker Olgun Uluc has provided an update on several NBL stars ahead of the free agency period on the latest episode of The Marketplace.

High profile Brisbane Bullets centre Aron Baynes will hit the market, but Uluc doesn’t envision him suiting up for another squad.

“If he were to return or if he were to sign anywhere, it would be for a fraction of what he is currently on,” Uluc said of Baynes.

“From the people I speak to and what I feel out there, it would surprise me if he ends up on any other team outside of Brisbane.”

Tasmania JackJumpers point guard Jordon Crawford has made an instant impact in the Apple Isle, and Uluc expects the club will look to retain his services, like they did with Milton Doyle last year.

“The JackJumpers did it with Milton Doyle where as soon as they knew he was the guy, those talks started right away. They made him a priority…it would surprise me if they don’t do the same with Crawford,” Uluc said.

“It would surprise me very much if they don’t try to keep that backcourt together.”

Luke Travers faces a big offseason, as Cleveland still have his NBA rights, and the Cavaliers could swoop.

“From the people I’ve spoken to around this league, around that league (NBA), it would surprise me if come the start of next season there isn’t some sort of offer there for Luke Travers,” Uluc said.

“At the very least a two-way offer. If that’s on the table, then it would surprise me if he doesn’t take that. The expectation I have is the Cavs will be on the front foot in starting the process of getting him over.”

The South East Melbourne Phoenix brough back Gary Browne for this season, but Uluc thinks the club will look to add a more marquee point guard during free agency.

“This past offseason, they were in talks with some really high-level guys. Unfortunately, a lot of those didn’t end up panning out because Europe came in,” Uluc said.

“It would surprise me if the South East Melbourne Phoenix didn’t do that again…they absolutely would do that again.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“If he doesn’t get a two-way deal or doesn’t find a way on that roster, he will explore his options."<br><br>ESPN's Olgun Uluc has reported former Next Star Mojave King could return to the NBL.<br><br>Read more ??<a href="https://t.co/rWngWPJmJr">https://t.co/rWngWPJmJr</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1743051344691527799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bul Kuol bet on himself by taking a one-year deal with the Cairns Taipans this season, but as the 26-year-old hits the open market again, Uluc has reported his value may not have increased.

“Last season there was a group of teams that went after Bul Kuol. I’m talking about the Sydney Kings, South East Melbourne Phoenix, Illawarra Hawks, all these teams went really hard at Bul Kuol,” Uluc said.

“The main question is, what is different from last season to this season? Based on the people that I speak to, it feels like the market is treating him the same as last season.”

Tai and Corey Webster both have team options at the Perth Wildcats, with Uluc revealing the “likelihood” is both will be back in John Rillie’s squad next season.

“I haven’t heard anything outside of the fact that Perth will pick it up,” Uluc said.