Former Lakers Forward Dylan Windler Signs with Perth Wildcats in Australia

Dylan Windler, a former Los Angeles Lakers forward during the 2023-24 NBA season, has found his next basketball home—though it won’t be in the NBA. 

Windler has signed a one-year contract with the Perth Wildcats of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. This move marks a significant shift for the 6-foot-6 wing as he transitions to an international league known for its competitive play and passionate fan base.

Windler’s journey in professional basketball has been anything but smooth. Selected 26th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Belmont, he entered the league as an older rookie at 24, primarily due to being sidelined with a leg injury during his rookie season. Despite showing promise, injuries and limited opportunities kept Windler from securing a lasting spot in the NBA.

In the 2023 off-season, Windler faced difficulties finding a standard 15-man roster position. He initially signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, which was later upgraded to a standard deal after impressing the team’s front office. However, this success was short-lived, as he was cut in December 2023. 

Windler then spent time with the Westchester Knicks, New York’s NBA G League affiliate, before signing a two-way contract with the Lakers in January 2024. His stint with the Lakers also proved brief, and he was released in March, later joining the Atlanta Hawks on another two-way deal, making them his third and final NBA team of that season.

Windler’s NBA career statistics reflect his struggles for consistent playing time. Over 101 regular-season games, he averaged 3.2 points on a shooting split of .425/.347/.800, along with 2.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.4 steals per game. 

His time with the Lakers in the 2023-24 season was particularly limited, as he appeared in just eight games, contributing 1.5 points per game in only 3.5 minutes of action on average.

Now, at 27, Windler is set to bring his shooting skills to the Perth Wildcats, the most successful team in NBL history. The Wildcats have a storied legacy with 10 championships, more than any other team in the league, and their most recent title came in 2020. The team made it to the NBL Finals as recently as the 2022-23 season, demonstrating their continued competitiveness.

Windler’s addition to the Wildcats is expected to bolster their offense with his jump-shooting abilities, providing the team with more versatility on the court. As he embarks on this new chapter in Australia, Windler will look to reignite his career and contribute to the Wildcats’ quest for yet another NBL title. 

For the Wildcats, his experience in the NBA, combined with his potential to stretch the floor, could prove to be a valuable asset as they aim for further success in the league.