THE Adelaide 36ers believe they can attract Patrick Mills to the club if he heads to Australia.
The US star may travel Downunder during an expected NBA lockout next summer.
A salary dispute between NBA team owners and players in the US is threatening to delay the start of the 2011/12 season, potentially opening the door for out of contract players like Mills to play overseas.
Sixers basketball operations manager and part-owner Richard Hill says the relationship Mills has with coach Marty Clarke and his affinity with Adelaide leaves his club well placed to secure the point guard's signature, if he chose a visit home over a more lucrative European stint.
Portland Trailblazers point guard Mills was coached by Clarke at the AIS, is a Crows supporter and his mother, Yvonne, grew up in SA.
"If he's going to play in Australia we'd be top of his wish list. There's no doubt about that," Hill said.
"He's got an affinity with the club and the coaches. But it's still very early days. We've had casual discussions about it around the club but we certainly haven't spoken to Patty. That would be premature and unprofessional."
