Perth Wildcats confirm Keanu Pinder to depart after two seasons to join Akita Northern Happinets in Japan

Perth Wildcats superstar Keanu Pinder has become the latest big name player to depart the club after signing an overseas deal.

It comes just weeks after reigning NBL MVP Bryce Cotton signed with rivals Adelaide 36ers in a bombshell move to rocked the basketball world, bringing an end to his decorated nine seasons at the club.

Pinder moved to the Wildcats from the Taipans in 2023, averaging 16 points and almost seven rebounds per game last season, including pouring in 35 points in a match-winning performance in Perth’s cut-throat play-in game against South East Melbourne.

The Cats confirmed on Thursday the power forward — who hails from Derby in the Kimberley — had signed a one-year deal with the Akita Northern Happinets in Japan and would depart the club.

“The Perth Wildcats would like to thank Keanu Pinder for his contribution to the club over the past two seasons,” the club said on their social media.

“We wish you all the best for the next chapter of your basketball career.”

The 30-year-old responded to the club on his Instagram account, writing: “Thank you for the opportunity to come home and play in front of my family and The Red (sic) army everynight! (sic).”

“All love! It was a blessing,” he wrote.

Pinder told Japanese media he was excited to join his new Akita side, who compete in the nation’s B.League.

“The opportunity to be a part of this team is going to be special. The league has been entertaining to watch and I have loved the growth over the years,” he said.

The departure of Pinder and Cotton is set to spark a list overhaul for the franchise ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Cotton — who is arguably the best to ever play in the NBL — signed a three-year deal with Adelaide last month after making a shock move to return to the league, causing fan outrage when he revealed the Wildcats had given him a deadline to accept a new offer he was prepared to rush into.

“As much as people say why did I leave the Wildcats, I didn’t technically leave. The Wildcats parted ways with me because I wasn’t willing to give an answer back in March,” Cotton revealed earlier this month.

“They sent an email — ‘we need an answer within the next two or three days whether you are going to sign this extension or not.’

“(I told them) I want to test free agency. So if you guys feel like you want to move on then I understand but that’s not enough time for me to make a decision. I want to see everything that’s out there.’”

Wildcats owner Mark Arena said last week he had no regrets over the move, but admitted the club could have communicated better.

“We did what we thought is, and what we still believe is, right for the Wildcats,” he said.

“That’s long- term success both on and off the court. We felt we did that and totally back the decision we made collectively.

“We had given him more than enough time.”

The Cats, led by coach John Rillie, finished third on the ladder for 2024/25, losing in the semifinals to Melbourne United 2-1.