Bryce Cotton, a five-time Australian National Basketball League (NBL) Most Valuable Player (MVP), has announced his departure from the Perth Wildcats after nine seasons with the club. This news marks the end of Cotton's illustrious career with the Wildcats and sparks speculation about his future destination. His departure leaves a significant void in the team's roster.
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03-25, 2025Cotton announced his decision on Instagram on Tuesday morning. He stated that while he will be leaving the Wildcats, he has not yet determined his next destination. Cotton also expressed his deep affection for Perth, saying it will always be his home, but now it is time to say goodbye. He also told fans that he hopes the joy they get from watching him play is half as much as he enjoys playing. This hints at a possible move to a new league or team.
In his statement, Cotton said, "To the Red Army (Perth Wildcats fans), from the moment I first set foot on Australian soil, to the last shot I took this season a few weeks ago, you welcomed me with open arms." He added, "I initially came here to play for six weeks, but I ended up achieving things that other players couldn't achieve in nine seasons. Despite this, I also experienced lows on the court, but you never abandoned me and always gave me genuine support." This reflects his gratitude for the fans' unwavering support.
Currently, Cotton is playing for Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rico, and there are rumors that he will transfer to Japan. His former Wildcats coach, Trevor Gleeson, is currently coaching the Chiba Jets. Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena released a statement confirming Cotton's departure and stating that Cotton will be remembered as one of the greatest players in club history. This further solidifies Cotton's legacy in the NBL.
Arena stated, "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Bryce for everything he has done for the club over the past nine seasons. His achievements with the Wildcats are nothing short of historic. While we are very disappointed that Bryce will not be continuing with the Wildcats – and we know our fans will feel the same way – we wish him all the best in the future and extend our greatest respect for what he has achieved with our team." This underscores the team's appreciation for Cotton's contributions.
Cotton joined the NBL midway through the 2016-17 season when the Wildcats were struggling. He played a total of 258 games, averaging 23.1 points per game in his career. The 32-year-old led Perth to three NBL championships and won five league MVP awards, two Grand Final MVP awards, eight scoring titles, and eight selections to the NBL All-First Team. His impact on the team's success is undeniable.
In 2020, Cotton chose to opt out of his contract with one year remaining after the NBL and the Australian Basketball Players' Association decided to cut player salaries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he signed a new three-year contract less than four weeks later. Cotton's departure undoubtedly represents a huge loss for the Perth Wildcats, while also opening a new chapter in his career. The team will need to find a way to fill the void left by his absence.
