MARYBOROUGH basketballer Matthew Dellavedova has penned a heartfelt letter of thanks to the city which made him an NBA star.
The parting gesture came as the guard's transfer to the Milwaukee Bucks became official on Friday morning.
Dellavedova has signed a four-year, $38.5 deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The former Maryborough basketballer joins the Cavs' central division rivals on a four-year deal worth $38.5 million.
It brings to an end a three-year sting in Cleveland, that yielded 215 games and an NBA championship.
In a tweet posted shortly after the deal was confirmed, Dellavedova said he was looking forward to getting started with the Bucks.
"I am looking forward to growing with this exciting, young team," he said.
"I believe we are capable of great things. I am here to win and am ready to help in any way I can.
"I look forward to getting to know the people and city of Milwaukee. Let's go Bucks!!"
Earlier, Dellavedova posted a snapshot of a three-page letter he penned to the people of Cleveland.
The 25-year-old expressed his thanks to the fans, coaches, staff and the "special group of players" he won a championship alongside.
“Here are some memories I will never forget," Dellavedova wrote.
"The crowd going crazy and giving a standing ovation when I denied the ball to help force a shot clock violation my rookie year-Anderson Varejao taking me under his wing and showing me the ropes ... Lebron's first game back, The Q was crazy- Getting to play pick and roll with the best player in the world.
“The support and love you showed for me, especially during the playoffs and finals last year.”
Dellavedova will not be the only Australian on the roster, after the Bucks used their first pick last month's NBA draft on Sudanese-born seven-footer Thon Maker
In a statement issued by the Cavs, general manager David Griffin paid tribute to his contribution.
“Delly is a special person on and off the court and was a very dedicated, hard worker that grew as part of our team and made significant contributions to our success," he said.
Dellavedova appeared in all 40 of the Cavaliers playoff games over the last two seasons.
In 2015, he made seven starts during the playoffs and averaged 7.2 points, 2.7 assists and 2.1 rebounds over the course of 20 games.
Dellavedova has been in Melbourne with the Australian Boomers squad, preparing for a two-game series against a Pac-12 college all-stars team, ahead of the Rio Olympics.
