Adelaide 36ers terminate Montrezl Harrell contract amid provisional doping ban

The Adelaide 36ers have terminated Montrezl Harrell's contract ahead of the 2025–26 NBL season due to a provisional ban linked to a doping violation during his time with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China. Harrell tested positive for carboxy THC, an active compound in cannabis, with the positive result announced after he had re-signed with the team. As he is currently banned from training and playing, and with no clear timeline for resolution or sanctions, the 36ers decided to end his contract to finalize their roster. Harrell, who had been a key player for Adelaide last season averaging 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, expressed confusion and frustration over the doping charge, denying any use of performance-enhancing drugs. The club is now focused on finding a replacement, with two import spots open partly due to Bryce Cotton gaining Australian citizenship. Despite the setback, star recruit Cotton remains optimistic about the team's prospects and the recruitment of new talent.