2026 Sal’s NBL Free Agency: Volume 6

New Signings Keep Rolling With Less Than Three Weeks To Season Tip Off

With the April 9 Sal’s NBL tip-off closing in, the latest round of free agency announcements has continued to add shape while deepening storylines across the league. Taranaki have added proven frontcourt production and welcomed back a familiar face, Otago have retained key depth pieces while adding a versatile forward, Hawke’s Bay have confirmed a determined comeback, Nelson have kept the local pipeline rolling while locking in their long-time skipper, Franklin have retained a young wing and perimeter scoring, Wellington have re-signed another local development piece, Auckland have strengthened the forward rotation with both continuity and storied pedigree, the Whai have added a genuine big body and Southland have landed a point guard identified as a priority from the outset.

Airs add size and scoring with Moors, bring Adams back for another run

The Taranaki Airs have continued building their 2026 roster with two important pieces: James Moors adds genuine frontcourt production, while Zavier Adams returns for another season in New Plymouth.

Moors arrives after a strong season in the Sal’s NBL with the Jets, where he averaged 18.0 points, 8.7 rebounds while showing versatility as a passer. The 6’8” power forward most recently played with the Traiskirchen Lions in Austria’s Superliga, and the Airs are backing him to be a big presence that brings big energy into their 2026 group. His ability as a two way player will be key for the Airs chances this year, but its a challenge that Moors is more than ready for.

Adams running it back also gives Taranaki continuity and familiarity. A deep roster kept him to just 6 games with the Airs in the NBL last year, but in his fourth season in the programme he’ll look to be impactful on an everyday basis in the Rapid League while pushing for more Sal’s NBL minutes.

Nuggets keep building depth with Martin, Smiler, McKenzie and Henn

The Night ‘n Day Otago Nuggets have continued to add pieces around their identity, leaning into roster depth and effort while chasing upside as they look to return to the postseason in 26.

Christian Martin returns for year two in blue and gold after playing 19 games in 2025 and contributing in both the Rapid League, scoring a team-high 9.6ppg, and the NBL. He provides good size on the wing, can score on multiple levels and is a willing defender inside and out. With Tall Blacks 3×3 experience and a reputation for energy and shooting, Otago will be looking for him to take another step forward with his presence and production in 2026.

Caleb Smiler is also back, adding guard depth and perimeter defence as he continues to grow his impact on the offensive end. With excellent agility his defensive prowess will be where he adds the most value but in recent years strides in court vision could see him take on a greater role in the ’26 season. The Nuggets have also secured Zach McKenzie, a versatile 6’8″forward with strength, rebounding presence and the ability to defend across the floor thanks to his elite atheleticism will look to make his presence felt on the low block. McKenzie has returns to the NBL after producing in Australia’s Big V competition following a couple of seasons with the Franklin Bulls.

Otago have also added import centre Michael Henn (6’8″), bringing strength inside and a polished offensive game after professional stops in Japan and Indonesia, where he averaged 13.3 points and 7.8 rebounds in 2024 following a solid NCAA career that saw him spend time with multiple programmes before finishing at Penn State. The big man’s inclusion see’s the Nugs squad nearly at full strength, giving valuable practice time to a team that will look to hit the ground running to tip off the ’26 season.

Hawks confirm Fergusson’s return in a determined comeback story

The Big Barrel Hawks have confirmed the return of Tommy Fergusson, completing one of the most determined comeback stories in the club’s recent history. Standing 203cm, Fergusson returns after battling through two ACL reconstructions – a journey built on resilience, the grind of rehab, and a refusal to step away from the game.

A former Napier Boys’ standout and Junior Tall Blacks selection, Fergusson has shown he can make an impact when healthy, at both the Rapid League and NBL level, and the Hawks are backing his return as another competitive piece in their push to defend the nest at Rodney Green Arenas and chase a postseason appearance.

Giants keep the local pipeline moving and lock in the skipper again

The NBS Nelson Giants continue to back their local pathway, adding rookie wing Brodie Materoa and rookie guard Elijah Inwood, while also securing the return of long-time fan favourite and captain Sam Dempster.

Materoa, a Blenheim product who finished school at Nelson College, arrives as a 6’4” wing with a smooth touch and long-term upside. Inwood, younger brother of Aston, joins as a 6’2” guard capable of playing both point and shooting guard, expected to be a key Rapid League contributor while also pushing for opportunities at Sal’s NBL level.

And then there is a name that all the Nelson Giants faithful were waiting with baited breath to see as Sam Dempster is back for his 18th season with the Giants. With 232 games already in Giants colours his leadership is unquestioned, but even as rumours of his retirement this was one player that the fans and organisation knew that had to get back. He adds versatility to the forward pack, with great shooting ability and the skills to defend multiple positions while giving the Giants a virtual coach on the floor at all times. Dempster remains the active leader in games played across the league, and Nelson will again lean on their skipper’s example and shooting at Trafalgar.

Bulls keep building with returning local and import weapon

The Franklin Bulls continue to build locally, with Zion Anderson committing for his second season after appearing in 11 games last year. The club has backed Anderson as a talented young wing with his best basketball ahead of him.

The Bulls have continued their build with American guard-forward Jace Carter, adding athleticism, versatility and another scoring option to the group.

The signing also carries a strong connection, with Carter reuniting with Bulls Head Coach Dan Ryan after the pair previously worked together at the University of Illinois-Chicago, where Ryan served as on staff during Carter’s freshman and sophomore seasons. Now they link up again in New Zealand as Carter transitions into the Sal’s NBL.

Following his collegiate carreer he has since added professional experience through the NBA G League (including time with the South Bay Lakers) and overseas, most recently playing for Egis Körmend in Hungary’s top league.

Carter is expected to provide scoring punch and perimeter defence for the Bulls as Coach Ryan described him as a physical, athletic wing with a versatile skill set who will bring immediate toughness and competitiveness, while also being of high characgter.

Carter joins a roster that continues to take shape ahead of the Bulls 2026 season tip-off on 11 April.

Saints retain local talent with Pilcher re-signed

The Mills Albert Saints have re-signed Arthur Pilcher for his third year with the organisation, continuing their investment in homegrown development as they build toward another championship defence.

The Upper Hutt product has already delivered two solid Rapid League seasons and now turns his focus toward making a bigger impact at Sal’s NBL level. Known for athleticism, defensive intensity and relentless tenacity, Pilcher’s return adds continuity and energy to the Saints programme.

Tuatara add forward depth with Leger returning, Vodanovich arriving

Auckland have reinforced the big rotation with two key moves.

Josh Leger returns after playing 15 games for the Tuatara in 2025, providing size, rebounding presence and positional flexibility in a backup role to incumbent starter Rob Loe. Leger knows how to make his presence felt on the low block and has been on the cusp of a greater role over the last couple of seasons, could this be the year he takes the next step?

And in one of the major additions of the week, the Tuatara have secured a major piece for 2026 with the signing of Tom Vodanovich, bringing proven production, championship experience and Tall Blacks pedigree into the forward rotation.

The bruising forward and St Pat’s Town product, returns after playing every game for the Tuatara in 2025, enters 2026 with 136 Sal’s NBL games under his belt, and a résumé to match.

Vodanovich was named MVP of the 2020 Showdown as he helped carry the Manawatū Jets to the Grand Final. A Sal’s NBL champion who brings elite winning experience from the Australian NBL, holding the unique record of appearing in three consecutive Grand Finals for three different teams, winning titles with the Sydney Kings (2022) and Tasmania Jack Jumpers (2024) and finishing runner-up with the Breakers (2023).

Vodanovich brings experience, scoring and high-level professionalism, giving Auckland a proven forward who has performed on big stages before and expects to do so again.

Whai add size and mobility with Tata

The Northern Group Tauranga Whai have further strengthened their frontcourt with the signing of Nic Tata (208cm). A powerful, mobile big who runs the floor and creates advantage through screening and explosiveness, The big man will look to lift the play on the block of both ends of the court as he looks to take the lions share of the minutes throughout the ’26 season. Tata arrives with NCAA Division I experience as well as Australian NBL exposure through Melbourne United, where he progressed from training player to a full roster role.

Sharks land point guard Rylan Jones as Southland add a priority backcourt piece

The Southland Sharks have secured a major addition for 2026, signing point guard Rylan Jones after Head Coach Jonathan Yim identified him as a priority target from the outset of free agency. Yim said Jones aligned quickly with who the Sharks are and where they are headed, and believes Sharks fans will connect with the way he competes and carries himself.

Jones arrives as a well-rounded backcourt presence, valued for his ability to orchestrate an offence, control tempo, and also thrive off the ball, bringing versatility, intelligence and toughness to Southland’s lineup. Yim described him as a true team-first competitor who values winning above all else and has the ability to elevate those around him on both ends of the floor.

For Jones, the move is about the bigger goal — chasing a championship. He said conversations with Yim centred on winning and how he can help, and believes he brings passing, shooting, defence, toughness and IQ to both sides of the ball. Jones also spoke to the reputation of the Southland fan base, noting he’s heard strong feedback about the Shark Tank (aka ILT Stadium Southland) and the atmosphere, and is looking forward to experiencing it firsthand as the Sharks build toward opening night on April 10 against the Otago Nuggets.

Free agency movement: Volume 6 additions

Airs: James Moors (new), Zavier Adams (re-signed)

Nuggets: Christian Martin (re-signed), Caleb Smiler (re-signed), Zach McKenzie (new), Michael Henn (, new, import)

Hawks: Tommy Fergusson (re-signed)

Giants: Brodie Materoa (new), Elijah Inwood (new), Sam Dempster (re-signed)

Bulls: Zion Anderson (re-signed), Jace Carter (new, import)

Saints: Arthur Pilcher (re-signed)

Tuatara: Josh Leger (re-signed), Tom Vodanovich (re-signed)

Whai: Nic Tata (new, import)

Sharks: Rylan Jones (new, import)