Sources: Lual-Acuil Jr. set to sign with Wildcats

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. is in advanced negotiations to join the Perth Wildcats, with sources indicating a deal could be finalized within days. The South Sudanese-Australian center is anticipated to become a marquee local signing for the Wildcats in the 2025-26 NBL season.

Acuil Jr. most recently played for Manisa in Turkey's basketball league, averaging 17.2 points and 7.0 rebounds domestically, followed by a stint with Al Ittihad Alexandria in the Basketball Africa League. The 31-year-old previously spent four seasons (2019-2024) with Melbourne United, winning the 2021 NBL championship and earning Sixth Man of the Year honors that season. He also received All-NBL First Team (2022) and Second Team (2024) selections.

Wildcats targeted Acuil Jr. and Yanni Wetzell to fill the center vacancy left by Keanu Pinder when free agency opened in April. After Wetzell signed with Japan's Akita Northern Happinets, Perth intensified efforts to secure the highly-regarded seven-footer. The Wildcats finished third in the 2024 season (18-11) before being eliminated by United in the semifinals.

Acuil Jr. would join a roster including Kristian Doolittle, Dylan Windler, and Jesse Wagstaff among others. Perth has two remaining roster spots to fill—one import and one local—with head coach John Rillie and GM Danny Mills currently scouting at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The team has shown strong interest in American point guard Zavier Simpson for the import spot and may re-sign Australian guard Ben Henshall, pending his college eligibility status.