Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton won’t be caged if NBA offer comes

Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
VideoBryce Cotton has reversed his decision to leave Perth and will be at the Wildcats next season

The Perth Wildcats may be celebrating news star Bryce Cotton has signed on for three more years, but the man himself says his bags remain packed if the NBA comes calling.

Speaking on SEN, Cotton said while he was happy to re-join his championship teammates for 2020-21, he always had a bigger goal in mind.

“If I ever got an offer, I’d be on the first plane back over there,” Cotton admitted.

“But I don’t think about it every day. I’m happy where I’m at.

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“My agent has a lot of connects so he’s always in talks with people.

“If they come calling then that’s fine, until then I’m more than happy to be over here playing the game I love.”

Camera IconTrevor Gleeson and Bryce Cotton address the media after the MVP announces he is staying in WA. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Cotton, whose three-year deal is understood to be worth about $2 million, has spent time with the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA before he arrived in Australia to play for the Wildcats in 2017.

Since then, he and his Perth-raised partner have welcomed their first child. Cotton said stability for his young family was the deciding factor to remain in WA.

Camera IconWildcats star Bryce Cotton will remain in WA. Credit: Will Russell/Getty Images

“I can see why so many Americans come out here and are never leaving,” he said.

“My daughter was born in Perth, my wife is born and raised here. I’m the only non-Australian in the family.

“When I started to look at it from the bigger picture, it just made it seem like overall this is the best thing for me and my family.

“I’ve been here for three and a half seasons, and I’m familiar with my teammates, we’ve had success which forms a brotherhood. You already know what you’re getting into from a professional sport standpoint. You get the best of both worlds, for me anyway.”

The reigning NBL MVP continues to wait on his application for Australian citizenship, but said the possibility of playing for the Boomers at the next Olympic Games did not factor in to his decision to stay.

“It definitely feels good to be extending this contract. Hopefully we can create some more memories,” he said.

“It’s a waiting game… there’s nothing left for me to fill out.

“Guess I’m just waiting for that magic day where I get the call or letter to say I’m approved.”

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