Josh Giddey may have a future in basketball media once his NBA career is over.
The Chicago Bulls star appeared to beat everyone to the punch yesterday, taking to social media to reveal that fellow Lighthouse Sports Management client Luke Travers is set to sign a two-year deal with Melbourne United, returning to the club he last played for during the 2023-24 NBL season.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
The move has a familiar feel to it.
Back in 2023, Giddey was also the first to reveal Travers’ original three-year deal with United before the club officially announced the signing, making this latest post something of a sequel.
While Melbourne United is yet to confirm the deal, an official announcement is expected later this week, with Giddey’s self-made ‘Woj bomb’ on X seemingly beating the club to the news.
If confirmed, Travers’ return would be another major boost for a Melbourne roster that is still without an import signing. His arrival also increases the likelihood that United will carry just two imports this season, with Travers expected to occupy one of the club’s marquee player positions. NBL clubs can carry up to four combined imports and marquee players, with each organisation free to determine how it allocates those spots.
Since leaving the NBL following the 2023-24 campaign, Travers has spent the past two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers organisation after being selected with the 56th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Luke Travers #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers answers questions from the media during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day.
Luke Travers #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers answers questions from the media during Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day.Source: AFP
Across his final NBL season with United, the versatile forward averaged 12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 steals across 33 games before heading to the NBA.
While NBA opportunities were limited, with Travers making 24 appearances for Cleveland across two seasons, he impressed consistently in the G League with the Cleveland Charge.
In 25 regular-season games over that period, he averaged 14.9 points, 9.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists, showcasing the all-round game that made him one of the NBL’s brightest young talents.
Most recently, Travers represented the Milwaukee Bucks at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 4.8 points and 1.5 assists in 16 minutes per game across six appearances.
Luke Travers #37 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League . (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Luke Travers #37 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League . (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)Source: getty
The 24-year-old Perth product would be a significant addition for Melbourne as newly appointed head coach Jacob Chance prepares for his first season in charge. Chance is already familiar with Travers, having previously worked with him during their time together at the Perth Wildcats and United, where Chance was then the assistant coach.
Luke Travers of Melbourne United and Jacob Chance assistant coach of Melbourne United. (Photo by Russell Freeman/Getty Images for NBL)
Luke Travers of Melbourne United and Jacob Chance assistant coach of Melbourne United. (Photo by Russell Freeman/Getty Images for NBL)Source: getty
Should the deal be finalised, United would welcome back one of the league’s premier Australian talents as the club continues to build a roster capable of returning to championship contention.