Joe Ingles Weighs Possible Return to Australia’s NBL
joe-ingles-weighs-possible-return-to-australias-nbl
Veteran forward Joe Ingles, now 38, is exploring a potential move back to Australia to compete in the National Basketball League (NBL), according to a report from ESPN’s Olgun Uluc.
The Minnesota Timberwolves swingman began his professional career with the South Dragons in Melbourne from 2006–09 before going undrafted in 2009. After stints in Spain and Israel, he entered the NBA in 2014 and has spent the past 12 seasons in the United States.
In recent years, Ingles’ role has shifted from heavy minutes with the Utah Jazz to a veteran presence off the bench in Minnesota. Since signing with the Timberwolves in the summer of 2024, he has appeared in 44 regular-season games, logging 216 total minutes—an average of 4.9 per contest—mostly in late-game situations.
Uluc reports that if Ingles heads back to the NBL, he could once again suit up in Melbourne. The forward has already spoken with Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix. The Adelaide 36ers are also interested and are described as the most proactive suitor so far.
Ingles is on a one-year, minimum-salary deal with Minnesota and will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, leaving the door open for a return to Australia.
Source: Hoops Rumors
