Report: Rival clubs circle Taipans young gun

Heading into the off-season, the Cairns Taipans have just four players under contract.

One of those is star forward Jack McVeigh, who was named to the 2025-26 All-NBL Second Team. The other three are Reyne Smith, Mawot Mag and Jed Richardson, who are all club options.

The most interesting of those three is Australian Boomer Smith, with many assuming that option would have been picked up already.

But as ESPN’s Olgun Uluc explains on the recent episode of The Marketplace, presented by Paywise, it’s a situation that teams around the League are monitoring.

“It's curious that it hasn't been picked up yet, and it's becoming more curious as the days go by,” Uluc said on The Marketplace, presented by Paywise.

“You wonder what's going on there, and you speak to teams around the League, and they're closely monitoring the situation.

“They're envisioning a world relatively soon in which Reyne Smith may be available.

“You think if you’re the Cairns Taipans, you lock in a local player you can, but they haven't done it yet and it's got the ears of other teams around the League perked up.”

In terms of which teams would be in the mix for his signature, Uluc hinted that his hometown Tasmania JackJumpers have interest, while fellow panellist Pete Hooley explained others would have an interest.

“We didn't get to see him at his best [last season], as he had to deal with injuries, but we know what he can do,” Hooley said.

“There is 100 per cent teams monitoring, as who wouldn’t want a young, up-and-coming talent who shoots the ball?

“Both Perth and Brisbane might entertain the idea, and I believe more would look into it if his option doesn’t get picked up.”

The other team worth monitoring Reyne's availability, according to Uluc, is Sydney.

“The Sydney Kings had an opportunity early last off-season to sign Reyne Smith,” Uluc said.

“He was someone who they had a lot of interest in, and [honestly] any team would want shooting. The way he can stretch the floor, he opens up the floor for whatever import point guard you bring.”

Game 5 of the Championship Series tips off at 2.30pm AEST on Sunday at Qudos Bank Arena, live on ESPN and 10.

‍>> Championship Series tickets, schedule & more