2026 Vols Transfer Portal Thread

Haugh was a top 15 pick also. And he is returning. With NIL it is silly to act like any player should automatically go to draft just because they are a first rounder.
That’s the even more funny thing. Haugh returning is not going to ascend him into the top 5 of the draft next year, where as if Ament came back he could easily be top 5…maybe even top 3?

Just seems like there’s much more than “nothing to talk about” when it comes to Ament decision
 
Exactly doesn't matter what Barnes says....Nate will decide and he wants the NBA and will be paid well
We will see what they want to do. I am sure they have offered him a good NIL to return and improve his game. Barnes as a coach wants all of his players to develop to their best potential. Nate has top 2 or 3 upside in draft in 2027 and that has to be considered by his camp I would think.
 
No i’m saying that “one of the top players” is not top 15. That’s pretty common sense

There are hundreds of players that'll be draft eligible...most folks think the "top players" go in the lottery picks.

I mean what are you saying even...that Nate isn't a top player or that Nate isn't a top 15 player or that Rick Barnes thinking his player is a top player is wrong?
 
There are hundreds of players that'll be draft eligible...most folks think the "top players" go in the lottery picks.

I mean what are you saying even...that Nate isn't a top player or that Nate isn't a top 15 player or that Rick Barnes thinking his player is a top player is wrong?
You know what I mean and I explained what I mean. I’m not going to keep repeating it lol
 
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It’s an interesting argument, but I think still a bit flawed because there isn’t a guarantee Nate goes Top 4 next year. I also find it funny that people tend to comp Nate to Risacchere of the Hawks and that guy stinks so much he may end up being someone who bucks that trend.
 
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It’s an interesting argument, but I think still a bit flawed because there isn’t a guarantee Nate goes Top 4 next year. I also find it funny that people tend to comp Nate to Risacchere of the Hawks and that guy stinks so much he may end up being someone who bucks that trend.
True, but I guess it is a safe alternative. Coming back and getting paid handsomely to do so.

I guess he has to weigh the risks of either option. Which is more likely...going now and getting drafted in the top-8 and then developing his body and playing well enough to warrant a big 2nd contract, or waiting a year, getting an NIL deal worth near what his rookie salary will likely be if he slips out of the top-10, and going top-4 in a much weaker draft class?

I don't think there is a wrong answer. But there might be a better answer.
 
You know what I mean and I explained what I mean. I’m not going to keep repeating it lol

I guess it's just...weird that you'd comment at all. Rick was asked a question and he answered it.

In Rick's opinion Nate is one of the top players, you disagreeing with that doesn't make it an ignorant statement.
 
It’s an interesting argument, but I think still a bit flawed because there isn’t a guarantee Nate goes Top 4 next year. I also find it funny that people tend to comp Nate to Risacchere of the Hawks and that guy stinks so much he may end up being someone who bucks that trend.
It is flawed on the outside looking in but Nate and his team have the luxury of getting feedback from NBA executives about where he would project in the 2027 draft if he came back to college and improved in certain areas. At that point they all would have to look at everything in totality and make a call.

The thing that does make this easier or harder depending on your perspective is how much he’d get paid for playing college ball next year where in the past it would have been far less.
 
People seem offended by the notion that a player with a solid character would choose something different besides play for their team. It says a lot about people. You can see the insults ensue like they did for the PG that didn't come. It's not just this fanbase though.
 
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I guess it's just...weird that you'd comment at all. Rick was asked a question and he answered it.

In Rick's opinion Nate is one of the top players, you disagreeing with that doesn't make it an ignorant statement.
Nah it’s weird that you won’t let it go
 
Five things stick from CRB press conference:

1. Secret commit, I'd say overwhelmingly likely that's Lue.
2. They'll fill out the roster.
3. Believes Nate should go to the draft, obviously it's Nate's decision, but think that's important given they sat and talked about it this week.
4. Thinks DeWayne will break out this year - that's awesome that he's confident and maybe we see more from DeWayne than the 15 minutes or so/backup role that people suspect.
5. He called the BC coach initially about players - doesn't really move needle on bringing in someone like Hastings, per se, but it's something.
 
True, but I guess it is a safe alternative. Coming back and getting paid handsomely to do so.

I guess he has to weigh the risks of either option. Which is more likely...going now and getting drafted in the top-8 and then developing his body and playing well enough to warrant a big 2nd contract, or waiting a year, getting an NIL deal worth near what his rookie salary will likely be if he slips out of the top-10, and going top-4 in a much weaker draft class?

I don't think there is a wrong answer. But there might be a better answer.

I think the injuries in February that slowed him is the biggest concern...they're not bad enough to hurt his draft stock this year, but what happens if he returns and has a worse injury next season?
 
My read on Barnes comments about Nate are that we shouldn’t read too much into it. Barnes has been in love with him since day one. Saying he thinks he’s the best player in the country and that’s why he should go doesn’t mean he wouldn’t love to have him back. They’ve had a private conversation or will have one. Barnes believes in him and will continue to regardless of his choice.

If anything this comment takes the pressure off Nate. Now if Nate comes back all parties can know he wasn’t coerced by our staff.
 

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