In a bold move ahead of the business end of the Sal’s NBL season, the Mills Albert Wellington Saints have signed Jaylen Gerrand and immediately traded him to the Steelformers Taranaki Airs in exchange for Tall Blacks veteran, and also newly signed, Jordan Ngatai!
The deal signals a shake-up for both franchises, not to mention the league, as they look to strengthen their rosters for a finals push. Gerrand, a tenacious guard known for his gritty style on both ends of the court, will offer an additional ball handler and improved perimeter defense to a Taranaki backcourt in need of depth in both areas.
The 29-year-old signs as a free agent with the Saints after successfully requesting his immediate release from the Indian Panthers, as the team deals with a suspension from the NBL, allowing him to join an Airs team that will be looking to improve on last season's Final Four appearance.
In return, the Saints welcome back a familiar face in one time All-Star Five member Jordan Ngatai, a four-time Sal’s NBL champion and one of New Zealand’s most decorated domestic players. The return of the Porrirua raised Tall Black veteran to the capital bolsters Wellington's leadership and frontcourt depth, while reuniting a partnership that has previously found great success.
By bringing in players through the trade window both teams now have access $10,000 outside the salary cap that is provided to help facilitate trades. This means teams can fully use the additional $10k first for incoming player agreements, and then may still have salary cap space to use in these signings or after the trade window closes that they can use to sign free agents.
The trade reflects both teams’ intent to make a deep run this season, with Taranaki aiming to reinsert themselves into the top 4 of the ladder while the Saints are doing all they can to hang up the 13th championship banner in the history of the club.
