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Cat fight on to keep title team together

Damian Martin. Pic: Getty Images

Perth Wildcats managing director Nick Marvin is confident he can keep the majority of the NBL champions' talent-laden roster in tact despite rival clubs lining up lucrative bids for out-of-contract stars.

Key players Damian Martin, Jermaine Beal, Jesse Wagstaff and Tom Jervis are all out of contract and will become free agents if they are not re-signed by the April 29 deadline.

Drake U'u and Erik Burdon are at the end of their one-year deals and one of the two could be forced to make way for swingman Mathiang Muo, who will return from an Achilles injury next season.

Marquee import James Ennis will play in Puerto Rico from next month before moving back to the United States in a bid to secure an NBA contract. Marvin said it was "extremely unlikely" Ennis would return to the Wildcats, but wouldn't completely rule it out.

Grand final MVP Beal is a priority signing and the Wildcats are planning to leave their second import spot free until July, when they will assess potential recruits at the NBL and NBA Summer League tournaments in Las Vegas.

Marvin will hold end-of-season reviews with Wildcats players and staff in the coming days before turning his attention towards contract renewals next week.

He expects to have a fight on his hands to retain his best players.

"I would be very surprised if other clubs have not already contacted, or don't have intentions to contact, every one of my players," Marvin said.

"All six of them that are out of contract will be hot property.

"We do have a free agency period and we hope that we could get it done before that time, but I would not have a problem with a player who wants to test the market if they choose to.

"I think that is only prudent if they choose to. I would like them not to, but if they do, then that's what they pay their agents for."

Marvin is awaiting the outcome of a points cap review and cannot make commitments to players until the NBL makes its decisions.

Minor changes are expected to be made to the equalisation policy, giving players more freedom by rewarding them with a discounted points value for showing long-term loyalty to their clubs.

The Wildcats, who won their sixth NBL championship with a thumping 34-point victory over Adelaide on Sunday, will hold a public celebration and autograph signing session at Forrest Place from 10am tomorrow.

Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi will present the club with a congratulatory shield.

"All six of them that are out of contract will be hot property.""Wildcats managing director *Nick Marvin *