Kings land Dellavedova as Free Agency heats up

Matthew Dellavedova, one of Australian basketball's most decorated players, has agreed to a multi-year deal with the Sydney Kings, sources confirmed to ESPN. The move represents a significant shift in the National Basketball League landscape as the four-time Olympian departs Melbourne United after leading them to consecutive NBL Championship Series appearances.

Dellavedova, 34, entered free agency on Friday as arguably the most coveted player in the NBL market. After two stellar seasons with Melbourne United, including a Larry Sengstock Medal Grand Final MVP award as United lost to the Illawarra Hawks, the veteran point guard has chosen to continue his professional career under the guidance of former Australian Boomers head coach Brian Goorjian at the Kings.

The decision also reunites Dellavedova with his long-time Australian national team teammate Andrew Bogut, who will serve as an assistant coach for Sydney next season, as well as long-term Boomer mentor Luc Longley, who is part of ownership group, Hoops Capital.

According to sources, Dellavedova informed Melbourne United, the Perth Wildcats, and the Brisbane Bullets of his decision on Sunday morning after all three teams had actively pursued his signature.

Sources told Basketball.com.au, the Bullets, who pursued him aggressively, are believed to have been right in the mix for Dellavedova's signature and met with him for four hours on Thursday, offering him a three-year deal.

United, who would have been happy to retain Dellavedova should have been unable to secure a contract elsehwere, had a total of 12 players out of contract heading into the free agency period which opened on Friday. Former teammate Jack White signed with Bayern Munich in Germany earlier this week, while Kyle Bowen re-signed with the club on Friday.

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