Adelaide 36ers seeking compensation from Brooklyn Nets for Mitch Creek exit
Australian basketball fans are celebrating Mitch Creek's commitment with the Brooklyn Nets, but another set of discussions has begun around the forward's move to the NBA.
According to The Advertiser Sport, the Adelaide 36ers, whilst delighted for Creek's move, are in the process of seeking legal advice for potential compensation that could be $100,000 or more.
Mitch Creek was in the final year of his contract to Adelaide, which would have expired after the NBL's 2018/19 season. Clearance had also not been completed, which binds him to the 36ers for now. The club confirmed it would not hold Creek back from his NBA commitment, but are exploring options what they are entitled to, following the loss of a key player.
Adelaide 36ers chairman, Grant Kelley mentioned the need for professionalism, and shared that fees resulting from Creek's exit would be reinvested in player development within the state of South Australia.
Boti Nagy confirmed the same on his blog, sharing that the 36ers were looking for monetary compensation for Creek's move to the NBA.
“We are thrilled and delighted for Mitch that he’s a step closer to realising a dream of playing in the US,” 36ers chief executive officer Ben Kavenagh said.
“We are doing our due diligence by working through the detail of the move to determine if our club is entitled to any appropriate transfer fee.
“That process is underway.”
https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1023025248650706946
Creek's signing with the Brooklyn Nets was broken first by the NBL's Liam Santamaria earlier today.
The forward is expected to attend the Brooklyn Nets' training camp, with various possibilities on the plate. This includes an official roster signing with the Nets, a two-way deal which will see Creek sharing time between the Nets and their G-League team, the Long Island Nets, or a full-time role with the Long Island Nets.