Sydney Kings: Angus Glover issues a firm statement on his move to Phoenix.

Kings plan to release Angus Glover while keeping an eye on Phoenix’s move.

According to ESPN, Angus Glover and the Sydney Kings are working on a mutual release, with the Australian guard set to sign with the South East Melbourne Phoenix for the 2024-25 NBL season.

According to sources, Glover’s contract with the Phoenix is contingent on a buyout paid to the Kings, and he appears to be leaving the team with which he spent four seasons.

Glover, a 6’4 guard, is coming off a season with the Kings in which he averaged 5.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per game while shooting 33.7 percent from three-point range. The 25-year-old helped the Kings win consecutive NBL Championships in 2022 and 2023. He played an important part in Game 5 of the 2023 Championship Series against the New Zealand Breakers, guiding the Kings to their second consecutive victory.

Glover’s minutes were cut slightly during the 2023-24 season under short-lived head coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah, prompting him to request a release from his contract when the season ended, according to reports. The Kings obliged, resulting in his release and his signing with the Phoenix.

This set of circumstances would mark the third time this off-season of a player effectively being traded for cash considerations. Sam Mennenga moved from the Cairns Taipans to the New Zealand Breakers, while Nathan Sobey is heading to the Phoenix after parting ways with the Brisbane Bullets.

Following their 13-15 season, the Kings parted ways with Abdelfattah and hired six-time NBL Champion Brian Goorjian as head coach. According to insiders, the team has reached an agreement with one-time NBL MVP Xavier Cooks for a three-year deal.

With Glover’s departure, the Kings will enter free agency with Cooks, Alex Toohey (Next Star), Shaun Bruce, Jackson Makoi, Kouat Noi, DJ Hogg (mutual option), and Makuach Maluach already on the roster.

Glover will be joining Sobey, Mitch Creek, Ben Ayre, Matt Kenyon, and Owen Foxwell on the Phoenix roster. Mike Kelly is entering his second season as the Phoenix’s head coach.