The Breakers will head into next season without one of their best scorers after guard Corey Webster agreed with the club not to take up the final year option on his contract.
The troubled 28-year-old experienced a tumultuous campaign with the Auckland-based club through 2016/17, his production declining after the acquisition of fellow shooting guard Kirk Penney while off-court drama, included an assault charge, appeared to hamper his performance.
Webster's multitude of injuries also took their toll, despite opting not to undergo the hip surgery which saw him take an extended period of leave late in the season.
Breakers General Manager Dillon Boucher believes the timing is right for both parties, and it may be the ideal antidote for Webster at this stage of his career.
"We think it is the right time for Corey to take on a new challenge and to assess what he wants to get out of the game," said Boucher in a statement issued by the club.
"He has had a challenging six months and has in that time struggled with his physical fitness and the distraction of off-court issues. Corey agreed that it might be the right time for him to pursue those new challenges elsewhere and see where he can go in the game. "
Boucher admitted at times it'd been challenging working with the North Shore-product, but offered his best wishes in parting.
"There were times this season when he did not live up to our expectations as a Breaker and perhaps make the most of the opportunities that he has been presented with, but he goes with our best wishes and our hopes that he can enjoy a successful second half to his career, we all know he has the natural ability to be whatever he wants to be in the game."
Webster has been with the club since joining as a development player back in 2008, his first full season coming in 2010, with the second year of that contract anulled following a drug violation in 2012.
He rejoined the Breakers in 2015/16 and turned in his most impressive season for the side, averaging almost 20 points per game and earning all-NBL second team honours.
Meanwhile, Boucher revealed six players are confirmed for next season's roster.
Core Tall Blacks Mika Vukona, Tom Abercrombie, Kirk Penney and Alex Pledger are retained, along with rising Kiwis Finn Delany and Shea Ili.
Boucher says keeping Tall Blacks centre Rob Loe is a priority after a solid debut season at the Breakers.
Decisions around imports will be left until later in the off-season.
Newshub.
