Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie says former star Bryce Cotton had every right to leave the club but his relationship with him will remain strong despite Cotton now being an opposition player.

Cotton signed with the Adelaide 36ers after exploring his free agency options at the end of last season. The five-time NBL MVP could have remained with the Wildcats after being offered a lucrative contract to stay, but Rillie said he had no problem with Cotton choosing to play elsewhere.

He said the pair would always have a strong relationship.

“No-one did anything wrong,” Rillie said.

“He was a free agent. He could explore every opportunity. We put our foot forward in that race and weren’t the recipient of his signature. Everyone makes their own decisions and you’ve got to respect that and move

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