The Adelaide 36ers came close to reuniting with one of their most influential players, but Mitch Creek has confirmed that a homecoming never went through.

Creek, now 33, revealed on social media that he was in advanced talks to rejoin the club where he launched his professional career, only for negotiations to fall apart late in the process.

"Almost signed with Adelaide this year but got ghosted after saying yes," Creek commented on Instagram, in response to a fan asking if he would ever come home.

Instead, the veteran forward signed in Europe with Romanian powerhouse U-BT Cluj-Napoca, a move he says has proven to be the right one.

From Adelaide hero to global journeyman

Creek first suited up for Adelaide in 2010. After early struggles, he became a key figure under coach Joey Wright, who later handed him the captaincy.

His leadership peaked during the 2017–18 campaign, when he spearheaded the 36ers' run to the NBL Grand Final against Melbourne United.

Following that season, Creek chased his NBA dream, briefly joining the Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves, before returning to Australia and signing with the South East Melbourne Phoenix in 2020.

He would spend five seasons with the Phoenix, establishing himself as one of the NBL's toughest and most dynamic swingmen.

Creek also built a global resume by playing and excelling in countries like Germany, Turkey, China, and Canada.

What Could Have Been for the 36ers

For Adelaide fans, Creek's revelation adds another layer of “what if” to a franchise still searching for stability.

The 36ers have endured a turbulent period both on and off the court, while cycling through coaches and roster shake-ups.

A reunion with Creek, a fan favourite and former captain, would have been a nostalgic boost for the club and a potential turning point in their rebuild.

But instead, the swing is testing himself once again on the international stage.