NZ Breakers have released point guard Tai Webster to join older brother Corey Webster at Perth Wildcats - just in time for their Aussie NBL clash at New Plymouth on Wednesday.
Webster, 27, has left Turkish club Petkim Spor by mutual consent, while Perth have negotiated a buyout of his ANBL rights from the Breakers to facilitate his move.
The Tall Blacks star was a development player with the Breakers, before taking up a US college scholarship with University of Nebraska, but made a much-heralded return to the club in 2020, averaging 17.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists, and winning the club's Members Choice Award.
He re-signed for two more years in July 2021, but two months later, he was released, after refusing the COVID-19 vaccination required to play in Melbourne during the ANBL. The Breakers retained his rights, which have now passed on to Perth.
Webster has also played in Germany and Lithuania during his professional career.
His presence adds further spice to a showdown that already qualifies as a 'grudge match', after the Breakers needlessly antagonised Corey Webster with an insulting social media post on the eve of their Auckland encounter last month.
Webster, 34, responded with 26 points in a 92-84 Wildcats victory that broke a five-game winning streak for the Breakers, who have now slumped to three straight defeats to halt their strong start to the season.
