Retaining Reath and Cleveland a priority for Hawks

Retaining superstar duo Duop Reath and Antonius Cleveland is a priority for the Illawarra Hawks in free agency, according to acting president Mat Campbell.

It has already been an off-season of change in Illawarra, with legendary coach Brian Goorjian departing and Jacob Jackomas taking over the head coaching duties.

Goorjian was a key driver in getting Reath to the Hawks, but Campbell remains confident the club will be able to keep the Australian Boomer, if he stays in the NBL.

“He's (Reath) definitely a priority,” Campbell said via the Illawarra Mercury.

“We were in negotiations during the season to lock him up on a long-term deal, but obviously the way he played the back end of the season has given him some opportunity to explore his NBA options.

“We'd never look to hold him back from that.

"He's going over to the NBA Summer League, so he could have NBA opportunities or high-level European leagues.

“Outside of that, we're confident that he stays with us.

"We've offered him a really good deal and all indications are they're happy with that, but I can't see us having an answer for a month or more.”

Cleveland had a standout debut season, winning the league’s Best Defensive Player award and making the All-NBL First Team.

Campbell revealed Illawarra did offer Cleveland a new deal during the finals, which was declined. The Hawks have since tabled a revised offer for the 28-year-old.

“We offered him a contract through the finals series, but his agent's indicated they want to explore free agency,” Campbell said.

“Obviously he was (All-NBL) First Team, Defensive Player of the Year, he did some incredible things, so he's probably jumped into a new class as far as imports go.

“We have an offer with him, and we feel our offer reflects that (new) level.

"We're still confident with both of them but it's in a bit of a holding pattern at the moment.”