The Breakers have released import player Jerrelle Benimon from his contract, three weeks after confirming the American as a squad member for the upcoming season.
Benimon, signed as starting centre, was due to start with the club last week.
However personal issues have kept him in the USA.
General Manager Dillon Boucher has been working with Benimon's agent around the delay.
"Family plays a huge part in the culture here at the Breakers and when we heard from Jerrelle that he was dealing with some family issues we had no hesitation in supporting his request to postpone coming to New Zealand," said Boucher.
"After further talks we have mutually agreed to release Jerrelle and move forward with a replacement to complete our 2018/19 roster."
Boucher is already in talks with contacts in the USA and is confident the team will have a full roster in time for the Breakers pre-season NBA game on October 3 in Phoenix.