In a seismic shift that’s rocked Australian basketball, five-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton has signed a three-year deal with the Adelaide 36ers, leaving the Perth Wildcats after nine iconic seasons. Announced on May 22, 2025, this move is one of the biggest free-agent signings in NBL history, sending shockwaves through fans and analysts alike. Cotton, a scoring machine and three-time champion, is set to transform the 36ers’ fortunes. Here’s why this blockbuster deal changes everything.
From Perth Legend to Adelaide Star
Cotton’s tenure with the Perth Wildcats was nothing short of legendary. Averaging 28.1 points per game in the 2024-25 season, he dropped a record-breaking 59 points against the New Zealand Breakers in December, cementing his status as the NBL’s top scorer. With five MVP awards, three championships, and eight All-NBL First Team selections, Cotton’s resume screams greatness. Yet, after turning down a monster contract that would’ve made him the highest-paid player in NBL history, he briefly played in Puerto Rico’s BSN league before making a stunning return to the NBL with Adelaide.
Why the switch? The 36ers, coming off a 13-16 season, needed a game-changer. Adelaide’s general manager, Matt Weston, called Cotton “one of the all-time greats,” emphasizing his ability to “transform our culture and standards” for a championship push. Reuniting with coach Mike Wells, who worked with Cotton during his NBA stint with the Utah Jazz, was a key factor. The 36ers’ swift negotiations—sealing the deal in just days—show their hunger to compete.
What Cotton Brings to Adelaide
At 32, Cotton is still at his peak. His 28.1 PPG led the league last season, and his 49-point outburst against the 36ers in February 2025 showed his scoring prowess. Beyond numbers, Cotton’s clutch play and leadership are unmatched. Teammate Dejan Vasiljevic likened their pairing to “Steph and Klay,” hinting at a dynamic backcourt that could torch defenses. With Adelaide’s salary cap space freed up after Kendric Davis moved to the Sydney Kings, Cotton’s arrival fills a massive void with star power.
The 36ers’ fans, who packed the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for 14 straight sellouts last season, are buzzing. Executive chairman Grant Kelley called this “one of the biggest signings in club history,” signaling a title-or-bust mentality. Cotton’s championship pedigree and scoring ability could elevate Adelaide from sixth place to contenders, especially with Wells’ vision to reshape the roster.
The Fallout: Perth’s Loss, NBL’s Gain
Perth Wildcats fans are reeling. Cotton’s defection to a rival like Adelaide, dubbed a “dagger through the heart” by NBL Now’s Derek Rucker, has sparked heated debates. The Wildcats, who offered Cotton a record-breaking deal, are now eyeing veterans like Patty Mills to fill the void. Meanwhile, the NBL benefits from this blockbuster move, with new rivalries brewing and Cotton’s citizenship pursuit adding intrigue.
What’s Next for the 36ers?
Cotton’s signing isn’t just a roster move—it’s a statement. With his scoring, experience, and championship DNA, the 36ers are poised to challenge powerhouses like Melbourne United and Sydney Kings in 2025-26. Will Cotton lead Adelaide to their first title since 2002? Check our YouTube Short for his wildest highlights and hit [Insert Blog Link Here] for more NBL updates. Who’s your pick for NBL MVP next season? Drop it in the comments! #NBL #BryceCotton
