He's back: Trez lands after whirlwind off-season

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Former NBA Sixth Man of the Year and Adelaide 36ers import Montrezl Harrell is back in Australia for his second NBL season.

Harrell, 31, has had a whirlwind 2025 including a stint in the Chinese Basketball Association, Puerto Rico and the BIG3 since earning All-NBL Second team honours in his first season, averaging 20.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and more than a block a game.

The 2.01m forward is a key piece in the 36ers NBL26 championship puzzle after they stunningly signed five-time NBL Bryce Cotton in the off-season.

Harrell played more than 500 games in his NBA career for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged 12.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and an assist in 20 minutes per game.

Montrezl Harrell in 2025

National Basketball League (Australia) – Adelaide 36ers

• Harrell re-signed with the Adelaide 36ers for the 2025–26 NBL season, inking a one-year deal announced on May 28, 2025.
• Earlier that year, he completed a strong 2024–25 season with the 36ers, earning All-NBL Second Team honours by averaging 20.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks over 28 games

Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) – Xinjiang Flying Tigers

• After a reported agreement with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in early February that didn't materialise, Harrell ultimately signed with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers on March 13, 2025, replacing Rob Edwards
• In 13 games to close out the 2024–25 CBA season, he averaged 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.

Baloncesto Superior Nacional (Puerto Rico) – Gigantes de Carolina

• On May 15, 2025, Harrell signed with the Gigantes de Carolina, joining them for the remainder of the 2025 season.

The Basketball Tournament (TBT) – “The Ville” (Louisville Alumni)

• Announced in April 2025, Harrell returned to play for The Ville, Louisville’s alumni team, in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), set to compete in the regional at Freedom Hall from July 19–23.

BIG3 League – Chicago Triplets

• Montrezl Harrell joined the BIG3, serving as co-captain of the Chicago Triplets for the 2025 season BIG3.
• He led the Triplets into a high-stakes matchup in the 2025 BIG3 championship, facing off against Miami 305 later in the year.

Off-Court Developments & Cultural Impact

Media & Interviews

• In early February 2025, Harrell appeared on Channel 10’s “The Project” to discuss his NBL debut season and his experiences in Australia.
• In a June interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Harrell candidly shared his journey of rebuilding and finding “peace” through stints overseas and announced his involvement with the BIG3 as a meaningful part of his re-emergence

Endorsement Deal

• Harrell secured an endorsement with Reebok Australia, becoming the first athlete outside the U.S. to wear the new Reebok Engine A sneaker line, available from February 2025‍

Racial Abuse Incident & Legal Outcome

• In a significant and widely covered development, a Victorian man was arrested and charged after sending a racially abusive social media message to Harrell. This marked the first-ever arrest in Australian sports related to online racial abuse. The case is being hailed as a pivotal step toward addressing and curbing online hate directed toward athletes