They may have both recently been crowned NBL26 champions, but two key pieces of this season\u2019s Sydney Kings squad could be in different colours next campaign.<\/p>\n
According to ESPN\u2019s Olgun Uluc, both Koaut Noi and Bul Kuol might not be playing in the Harbour City during the Hungry Jack\u2019s NBL27 Season.<\/p>\n
Firstly, despite having his third-year team option picked up by the Kings, Uluc believes there\u2019s a real possibility Noi could move on.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe team option [on Noi\u2019s contract] was picked up by the Sydney Kings, who want to keep him; however, there is a possibility that he could find a new home,\u201d Uluc said on The Marketplace, presented by Paywise.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s a feeling he has a desire to play somewhere else, so other teams are monitoring that situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe idea of him potentially spreading his wings somewhere else, combined with some family and personal reasons is why potentially one of the Queensland teams might be a better landing spot.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo I expect him to be in a Sydney Kings jersey come the start of NBL27? No, I don’t. So, that’s the situation worth keeping an eye on.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
While appreciating the reasons behind Noi reportedly wanting to explore his options, 1990 MVP Derek Rucker wonders if the forward\u2019s post-season performances had an impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that because he did not perform well in the post-season?\u201d Rucker said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOr do you think this was something that prior to the post-season was being considered and reinforced by the fact he played well below his level in the Playoffs?<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m just curious what’s been the catalyst for this kind of anti-Noi sentiment.<\/p>\n
\u201c[Because if he does leave] I\u2019m worried about them losing that spirit and swag that he brings, which can\u2019t be underestimated when putting a roster together.\u201d<\/p>\n
In response, fellow panellist Pete Hooley explained it likely had more to do with the South Sudanese international wanting an expanded role.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s more of the fact that if you look at this team\u2019s building for the foreseeable future and his role [off the bench],\u201d Hooley said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs he a starter-calibre player on some teams? Yeah, he absolutely could be.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, it is more do I want to continue to do this in the same role behind Xavier Cooks and [potentially] win championships or do I go to another team, become one of their main offensive weapons and challenge myself?\u201d<\/p>\n
Then, on Noi\u2019s fellow South Sudanese teammate Kuol, Uluc explained that the two parties are \u2018renegotiating\u2019 a new deal for the defensive dynamo.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith Bul Kuol, it was a mutual option; it was not picked up, and the two sides are renegotiating an extension,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will see where that heads, as I can’t get a sense right now whether those talks are positive or not so positive right now, but at the very least they are renegotiating an extension.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoul Kuol, obviously a really important part of that mid-season surge from the Sydney Kings. So we’ll see what happens there.\u201d<\/p>\n
As it stands, the Sydney Kings have Xavier Cooks, Matthew Dellavedova, Jaylin Galloway, Keli Leaupepe, Tyler Robertson, Noi and Jason Spurgin under contract for next season.<\/p>\n
The NBL27 Free Agency period opens at 9am AEST on Friday, April 17.<\/p>\n
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