The Adelaide 36ers have terminated star import Montrezl Harrell's contract after he was found to have used a prohibited substance while playing in China.
Harrell, who was already serving a provisional ban, was found to have used the substance while playing for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China during the National Basketball League (NBL) off-season.
The star import — who joined the 36ers in September 2024 after more than 500 games in the NBA — had just re-signed with the 36ers in May.
The NBL club said Harrell was tested in April 2025, and a positive finding was announced two months later, shortly after he had re-signed for the 36ers.
The club said it was "disappointed to part ways" but was left with "no option" after the provisional ban.
"As it stands, Harrell is not permitted to train or play," the 36ers said in a statement.
"And with no timeline on when the process will be finalised and no certainty on any sanctions, the club has been left with no option but to terminate Harrell's contract to allow it to move to finalise the playing roster."
The 36ers said the matter in China was ongoing and they could not comment further because of the "confidentiality policies of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)".
The club said it was now focused on searching for a replacement player.
Harrell's contract termination comes only days before the 36ers' season opener against the Brisbane Bullets in Adelaide on Sunday.
ABC
