The Illawarra Hawks race to the playoffs will begin without the significant hurdle of having Kings' star Didi Louzada in their way.
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It was announced on Monday Louzada will fly to the US to take up a contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The 35th pick in the NBA draft of 2019, Louzada's playing rights were traded from Atlanta to New Orleans before signing with the Kings, as part of the NBL's Next Stars program.
"We are thrilled for Didi; this will be lifechanging for him and his family," Sydney chief executive Chris Pongrass said. "Whilst it is bittersweet for him to be leaving us, we promised to help him achieve his dream of playing in the NBA and we couldn't be happier that he will soon be realising this goal.
"We have been in constant communication with the Pelicans throughout this process and thank them in the trust placed in us to develop their young talent.
"We were not expecting to have Didi back with us for a second season, so in my mind we have always been operating on borrowed time. We were lucky to have Didi part of this group - he has played a fundamental role in our success the past two seasons."
It comes as a crucial time in the NBL season, as the Kings (12-12) edge out the Hawks (12-13) for fourth spot on the NBL ladder.
It puts extra importance on Saturday's NSW derby at WIN Entertainment Centre.
Following a Covid-impact schedule which Hawks coach Brian Goorjian has described as "brutal", they finally enjoy some home comforts in the run to the playoffs.
After meeting the Kings, they play New Zealand in Launceston, then return for home games against Adelaide (twice), the Breakers, Melbourne United, Cairns and Perth, before finishing the season against Sydney.
Read more: Goorjian upbeat despite road double losses
Their only remaining trips sandwiched in the schedule are to Adelaide and again against New Zealand.
"If we win (enough games), we're in playoffs," Goorjian said.
"If we don't and with home floor, we don't deserve to be there.
"It's a nice feeling that (most travel) is behind us, I've said before our schedule has been the most brutal outside of New Zealand."
