The Adelaide 36ers have officially parted ways with star import Montrezl Harrell amid doping allegations.
Just days out from the club’s season-opener, Adelaide on Thursday released a statement saying they had been left with “no option” but to move on from the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
“Harrell is currently serving a provisional ban after he was found to have used a prohibited substance while playing for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association,” the statement said of the 31-year-old Harrell, who spent almost a decade in the NBA before joining the Australian club.
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“He was tested in April 2025 with a positive finding being announced two months later – after he had already re-signed with the Adelaide 36ers.
“As it stands, Harrell is not permitted to train or play, 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.
“Because the matter in China is ongoing, the Adelaide 36ers remain constrained by the confidentiality policies of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and are unable to comment further on the matter.”
It ends a week-long saga in which Harrell took to social media to vent his frustrations about the process. He did, however, have positive things to say about his time in the Australian league.
“Glad I can say I got to play in the NBL. I appreciate you guys thanks for letting me experience what down under life was like! Thanks for having the monsta goodbye and blessing to all!,” Harrell said via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Made me fall in love with hoops again last year in a dark time! Will always be grateful for that! “Much love for all the Australian fans man I truly appreciate and love the support and energy y’all gave to me!”
The 36ers added in the statement: “While disappointed to part ways, the Club is grateful to Montrezl for his service and wish him well for the future.
“The Club is now focussed on searching for a replacement player and beginning the upcoming NBL season strongly.”
Adelaide will take on the Brisbane Bullets to kick-off their season on Sunday at 4:30PM AEST.
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