Melbourne United championship-winner Josh Boone will return to the NBL next season on a one-year deal at Illawarra Hawks.

The 34-year-old centre will partner ex-United veteran David Andersen in Wollongong.

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The durable rim protector, who broke even with or beat Kings marquee Andrew Bogut in all six games last season, was desperate to continue his NBL career after being blindsided by United in the off-season.

Boone only found out he was surplus to United’s needs after a rogue tweet from New Zealand Breakers star Shawn Long announced he would be joining Melbourne.

Boone had been linked to South East Melbourne Phoenix in recent weeks but the expansion club, while interested in the big man, will hold off signing imports until after next month's NBA Summer League.