Montrezl Harrell’s time in Australia appears to be coming to an abrupt end. According to Olgun Uluc of ESPN, the 31-year-old forward and the Adelaide 36ers are preparing to part ways following complications tied to a doping violation.
Harrell, an eight-year NBA veteran, had re-signed with Adelaide just four months ago after a standout 2024-25 campaign. He averaged 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, earning All-NBL Second Team honors and helping the 36ers reach the play-in tournament.
The separation comes after Harrell faced a doping suspension while playing in China during the offseason. Sources told ESPN that the 36ers have been unable to navigate around the matter, leaving both sides to move toward a split.
Shortly after the news broke, Harrell took to social media to share his perspective. “Wish I knew the truth in what actually happened! I played in Puerto Rico but hey idk rules! Like I understand fail a drug test! I get what the test showed! What I get lost is on the doping part! Because doping is (a) rule on taking a drug to increase or gain an edge in competition use! I know damn well I had zero of anything like that in me so again doping???” he wrote on X.
The 36ers initially viewed Harrell’s return as a boost to their 2025-26 roster. His physical play and scoring efficiency made him a focal point of Adelaide’s offense, and his veteran presence was expected to anchor the frontcourt.
Harrell has not appeared in the NBA since 2023 with the Philadelphia 76ers, but his move to Australia revitalized his career. His dominance inside the paint quickly established him as one of the NBL’s most impactful imports.
Now, with Adelaide forced to move forward without him, the franchise will need to retool ahead of the new season. Harrell, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future as he looks to resolve the doping issue that has disrupted his overseas career.
The 36ers open their 2025-26 campaign later this year, but the absence of their star big man will be a major storyline as the club attempts to build on last season’s progress.
