Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Luke Travers will return to Melbourne United on a two-year contract for the 2026-27 NBL season after Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey revealed the move on social media before the club's official announcement.
The 24-year-old forward returns to Melbourne after two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers organisation. His signing gives new head coach Jacob Chance a versatile Australian player capable of scoring, rebounding, passing and defending several positions.
The deal adds to a busy recruitment period after the Sydney Kings signed Harry Wessels and South East Melbourne Phoenix added D'Shawn Schwartz.
Josh Giddey Breaks the News Again
Josh Giddey also revealed Luke Travers' original Melbourne United deal in 2023 before the club made it public. Both players are represented by Lighthouse Sports Management.
The official Melbourne United announcement has now confirmed the two-year agreement.
Luke Travers averaged 12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 steals across 33 games during his previous Melbourne United season. He then made 24 NBA appearances for the Cleveland Cavaliers across two years.
Strong G League Form Supports NBL Return
Luke Travers produced his best numbers with the Cleveland Charge, averaging 14.9 points, 9.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists across 25 regular-season games. He also represented the Milwaukee Bucks at the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
Jacob Chance previously worked with Luke Travers at the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United. That familiarity should help the forward settle quickly as Melbourne United builds a roster aimed at returning to championship contention.
Luke Travers is expected to fill one of the club's marquee positions, increasing the possibility that Melbourne United will use only two imports. NBL teams can carry a combined maximum of four marquee players and imports.