REPORT: Taipans nearing deal with NBA Draft pick
A former NBL Next Star appears set to return to the Hungry Jack's NBL, just months after being selected in the NBA Draft.
According to ESPN's Olgun Uluc, Malique Lewis is nearing a deal with the Cairns Taipans, which would see him claim the team's final roster spot.
Uluc reports the two parties are in the advanced stages, and there's confidence a deal will soon be agreed for the 2026-27 campaign.
Lewis, who spent two seasons with South East Melbourne as part of the Next Stars program, was selected with the 60th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by Milwaukee.
Malique Lewis is nearing a deal with the Cairns Taipans, sources told ESPN. Discussions between the Trinidadian forward and Taipans are in the advanced stages; there’s confidence a deal will soon be agreed for #NBL27. Lewis would be an import, and Cairns’ final roster spot.
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) August 20, 2026
The Trinidad and Tobago talent, who has chalked up 63 games in the League, averaged 6.9 poins, 4.3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.2 steals per contest in NBL26.
Lewis rounds out Adam Forde's squad, which also features Jack McVeigh, Keanu Pinder, Jaylon Brown, Jonah Bolden, Sunday Dech, Reyne Smith, Jaylin Galloway, Kyrin Galloway, Shaun Bruce and Next Stars Luke Paul.
The Taipans open their NBL27 campaign against the Sydney Kings on Sunday, September 20 at Afterpay Arena.
The Next Stars program has seen seven players drafted in the first round across the last seven NBA Drafts, including LaMelo Ball (2020), Josh Giddey (2021), Ousmane Dieng (2022) and Alex Sarr (2024), all being selected inside the lottery.