The NBL’s mid-season movement window is wide open — read on below for the latest player move news and rumours.
The Perth Wildcats have reportedly landed the signature of ex-NBA guard David Duke Jr. It was first reported by foxsports.com.au’s Jai Shadlow that the Perth Wildcats were showing interest in combo guard. Now,according to ESPN, the Wildcats have signed the 26-year-old.
Standing at 6’4”, Duke Jr most recently played for the San Antonio Spurs and their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs, where he averaged 17.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game during the 2024-25 campaign.
Duke Jr. Was also recently a part of the Phoenix Suns pre-season team that was cut from the roster prior to the start of the NBA season.
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Phoenix Suns guard David Duke Jr., left, drives on Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)Source: AP
Perth currently sit at 4-3 and are in desperate need of leadership and consistency at the guard spot following the departure of Mason Jones. While Duke Jr is more of a combo guard than a true floor general, his ability to score, create, and push the tempo could provide the spark the Wildcats are searching for.
Duke Jr will join a core featuring Dech, Windler, Doolittle, and Lual-Acuil Jr, forming one of the most talented starting units in the NBL. During his stint with Austin, Duke Jr posted a season-high 32 points, showcasing his ability to take over games offensively. However, efficiency remains an area for improvement — he shot 30.6% from three and 41.4% from the field last season.
While an official team announcement is not yet official, The Wildcats are expected to have a media release soon as they look to stabilise their season and re-establish themselves as contenders in NBL26.
WILDCATS PART WAYS WITH US IMPORT
It comes after the Wildcats officially parted ways with import guard Mason Jones earlier this week after just four games in NBL26.
Jones arrived in Perth with high expectations – a former NBA G League Finals MVP and champion, billed as a proven scorer and dynamic playmaker ready to fill part of the shoes of franchise legend Bryce Cotton. But it never quite clicked.
Across his short stint, Jones averaged 9.5 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists on just 29% shooting, struggling to find rhythm or consistency within Perth’s system. His frustrations reached a boiling point in last weekend’s clash with the Brisbane Bullets, where he was ejected – a moment that effectively sealed his fate.
The Wildcats, who have started the season 3-2, are still considered one of the league’s contenders, but their 110-93 loss to Brisbane exposed a clear need for a more composed and efficient floor general.
Perth GM Danny Mills released a statement following the news:
“Mason has been a dedicated professional during his time in Perth and handled himself with great character. We thank him for his efforts and wish him every success in the future.”
With Jones gone, attention now turns to who Perth targets next. All signs point to the Wildcats chasing a point guard – someone capable of orchestrating the offence and stretching the floor. The Wildcats have never shied away from making bold mid-season moves, and this could be another defining one.
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BRISBANE BULLETS SIGN DAKOTA MATHIAS
The Brisbane Bullets haven’t wasted any time replacing former import Javon Freeman-Liberty, reportedly signing sharpshooter Dakota Mathias for the remainder of the NBL26 season.
Mathias, 30, most recently played for the Indiana Mad Ants in the NBA G League, where he averaged 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Known for his elite shooting, Mathias hit 38.6% from three, 44% from the field, and an incredible 94.9% from the free-throw line across 45 games last season – even posting a season-high 33 points in one outing.
The veteran guard brings a wealth of experience from the NBA, G League, and stints overseas in Spain and Germany, and is expected to add instant scoring punch and leadership to a Bullets lineup that already includes Jaylen Adams, Casey Prather, and Tyrell Harrison, alongside local talents like Alex Ducas, Sam McDaniel, Tristan Devers, and Taine Murray.
Brisbane holds a 3-5 record after a gutsy comeback win over the New Zealand Breakers on Thursday night, and Mathias’ arrival could be the spark they need to turn their season around. It is currently uncertain when Mathias will land in Australia and first suit up for the Bullets.
Interestingly, sources suggest the Bullets also showed interest in David Duke Jr, who is now expected to sign with the Perth Wildcats. There’s also ongoing speculation around Jaylen Adams’ role after being moved to the bench, though his 29-point outburst against Melbourne United proved he still has plenty left to offer.
With Mathias on board, Brisbane now boasts one of the league’s most well-rounded backcourts – and if they can find consistency, the Bullets could quickly transform from a fringe playoff team into a genuine finals contender.
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WHO WILL THE HAWKS GO AFTER NEXT?
The Illawarra Hawks continue their search for a new import following the release of JaQuori McLaughlin earlier this month.
McLaughlin’s departure came after a frustrating start to the season where he struggled to fit into Justin Tatum’s system. The Hawks, eager to stabilise after a rocky opening stretch, are in the market for a player who can spark their offence and help Tyler Harvey shoulder the scoring load.
For a brief moment, it appeared that Ian Clark – a NBL champion and one of the most respected veterans in the league – was the frontrunner. Clark, who has previously suited up for Melbourne United, the Sydney Kings, and the Adelaide 36ers, was seen as the perfect plug-and-play option. However, sources have confirmed he’s no longer in contention, leaving the Hawks to explore other avenues.
One name quietly circulating behind the scenes is a former NBL player who last featured in 2016 – a hint that Illawarra may be leaning toward experience and scoring pedigree rather than a developmental option. The club’s recruiting profile suggests they’re seeking a guard who can both create and convert, ideally someone with the confidence to take control late in games.
For the Hawks, who have shown flashes of promise amid an inconsistent start, this next signing could determine whether they stabilise their season – or continue to search for answers.
