Phoenix poach former United stalwart with two-year contract

Tanner Krebs completes a rebound during last season's open air game against Tasmania.
Tanner Krebs completes a rebound during last season's open air game against Tasmania. DANIEL POCKETT / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Aussie small forward Tanner Krebs has jumped ship from Melbourne United to crosstown rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix on a two-year deal.

30-year-old Krebs moved into free agency at the conclusion of his third season at Melbourne United, which was by far his busiest and most productive of the lot. 

Krebs averaged nearly 18 minutes per game during the NBL26 season under Dean Vickerman, who also appears set to leave United for a coaching gig in Japan, producing averages of eight points, three rebounds and one assist per match during that campaign. 

After topping the standings early in the season with a 10-2 start, United mysteriously fell away and were dumped out of the playoffs by Perth Wildcats in a single-leg knockout. 

South East Melbourne Phoenix, who finished two wins ahead of rivals United before losing in a best-of-three semi-finals series against runners-up Adelaide 36ers, confirmed on Tuesday morning the signing of Krebs.

We feel Tanner is a great fit for what the Phoenix is setting out to achieve in this free agency period. His length, and obviously his shooting ability will fit in with our style of play,” said Phoenix GM Simon Mitchell.

He’s an elite shooter, in the prime of his career who will fit in seamlessly with the returning Phoenix players.

Krebs adds further depth to a squad that went heavier on three point attempts than any other team last season, with Krebs having shot at nearly 40% accuracy from beyond the arc in NBL26 - the seventh-best for any player to have recorded more than 20 matches. 

He also has proven longevity and fitness, playing 72 games over the previous two seasons, which was second only to Adelaide's Flynn Cameron thanks to the 36ers going deeper into the NBL26 playoffs. 

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