ANBL: Shawn Long leaving Breakers to sign with Melbourne United

Long.
Long. Photo credit: Getty

Breakers star Shawn Long has announced he's leaving the club to sign with ANBL runners-up Melbourne United.

The American took to social media to confirm his impending commitment with the Victorian side, who were beaten by the Perth Wildcats in last season's finals series.

It's another big blow for the New Zealand franchise, who have already lost the services of stand-out forward Tai Wesley to newcomers South East Melbourne Phoenix.

"I'll just go ahead and say I'm excited to sign with [Melbourne United]!" Long said in a tweet he's since deleted. "Thank you [Breakers] for the opportunity and support last season."

The 26-year-old was a revelation for the Breakers through their 2018/19 campaign, posting per game averages of 18.2 points and 9.1 rebounds to establish himself as one of the league's most exciting new talents.

He earned a spot on the All ANBL second team, along with plenty of attention from rival clubs looking to secure the off-contract star's services.

The Louisiana native previously spent time in the NBA with the Philadelphia Sixers, where he played 18 games in the 2016/17 season.

Long will join forces with his friend Melo Trimble in Melbourne, after the league-leading scorer recently penned a one-year deal to become the replacement for Sydney-bound MVP runner-up Casper Ware Jr.

Long said he expects to make the deal official next week.

The Breakers' frontcourt stocks now look decidedly thin - Majok Majok the one remaining centre on the roster - although Long's exit will open up one of their two allotted import spots.

They finished a disappointing sixth in last year's standings, with a record of 12 wins and 16 losses.

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