MVP runner-up Tyler Harvey will return to Wollongong after inking a three-year deal in a huge sign of faith in the rebuilt franchise.

The 27-year-old California native averaged 20 points and three assists a game in his maiden NBL campaign, spearheading the Hawks return to the playoffs and finishing one rung below Bryce Cotton in the league MVP race.

The Hawks faithful have become sadly accustomed to watching stars enjoy breakout NBL seasons only to be lured away by cashed up rivals.

Harvey had no shortage of suitors in Australia and abroad but has inked a deal simply awaiting the NBL rubber-stamp.

President and co-owner Dorry Kordahi and coach Brian Goorjian have made no secret of the club's desire to have Harvey anchor the franchise moving forward.

It's understood Boomers big Duop Reath, currently in Olympic preparations under Goorjian, has also reached an in-principle agreement to move to the Illawarra, with the deal expected to be formalised in the near future.

The 6 ft 11 25-year-old will form a formidable front-court pairing with Sam Froling, who was named NBL Most Improved after a breakout season.

They are two huge marquee pieces, while Goorjian has also stated a desire to recruit a point-guard to give Harvey more time off the ball.

"Tyler's situation, big picture, is too much ball in his hands and too much dependency on him, he got worn," Goorjian said in the aftermath to his side's game-three semi-final defeat to Perth.

"You learn from this first year what other marquee pieces are needed and you need somebody around Tyler to take some of that stress off him."

The club has also been in discussions with the league's Defensive Player of the Year Justin Simon about a potential return.

Harvey will join fellow returnees Froling, Emmett Naar, Dan Grida, Max Darling, Next Star Justinian Jessup and Australia Emus standout Akoldah Gak.