UNC Tar Heels Basketball transfer portal tracker live updates, news on commits, departures from the program

The North Carolina Tar Heels announced former NBA head coach Michael Malone as the new head coach in Chapel Hill. This hiring signaled a distinct change in approach.

Malone becomes the first UNC head basketball coach who does not have direct ties to Chapel Hill since Frank McGuire in 1952. Dean Smith took over after a stint as a UNC assistant. 

According to On3, North Carolina has seven players either in the transfer portal or expected to enter the transfer portal. Guard Kyan Evans is officially in the portal currently. Zayden High, James Brown, Jonathan Powell, Derek Dixon, Jaydon Young and Isaiah Denis are all expected to enter the portal but haven't yet. 

North Carolina Tar Heels basketball transfer portal live updates

North Carolina transfers

North Carolina transfer news: 

April 7, 2026

• Kyan Evans has entered the transfer portal
• Zayden High plans to enter the transfer portal
• James Brown plans to enter the transfer portal

April 6, 2026

• Jonathan Powell plans to enter the transfer portal
• Derek Dixon plans to enter the transfer portal
• Jaydon Young plans to enter the transfer portal

April 5, 2026

• Isaiah Denis plans to enter the transfer portal 

UNC transfer portal rumors:

April 9: Kayden Mingo has ties to UNC. After averaging 13.7 points and 4.3 assists at Penn State last season, many are wondering if he'll officially hit the transfer portal. Mingo’s brother is 2026 Five-Star Plus+ point guard Dylan Mingo, who is currently committed to UNC, according to On3.

April 8: Isaiah Denis entered the transfer portal at UNC, but might be pulling his name out. "Denis is scheduled to meet with the new UNC head coach, Michael Malone," according to On3

April 8: Utah guard Terrence Brown Jr (Utah) confirmed he has heard from 17 programs and North Carolina is one of them according to Tar Heels Wire. UNC could potentially be a top 3 option for Brown. 

April 8: Accoringing to Bleacher Report, the decision to hire Michael Malone over Billy Donovan was in some part influenced by recruiting ability and timetable. The hesitation with Donovan centered around his desire to finish out the year with the Chicago Bulls, which would have dramatically impacted the Tar Heels' ability to secure transfer players. It also would have impacted non transfer recruiting. 

April 7: Wake Forest guard Juke Harris is currently the No. 1 overall player in On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings. 

"The 6-foot-7 sophomore averaged 21.4 PPG this season. NC State will be in the hunt for the North Carolina native, who’s expected to go through the NBA Draft process. New Wolfpack head coach Justin Gainey recruited Harris while he was at Tennessee and built a strong relationship with him. Another school that I believe could be a contender if they make a push is North Carolina. Harris will be one of the most sought-after players in the portal."

April 7: Utah guard Terrence Brown Jr (Utah) confirmed he has heard from 17 programs and North Carolina is one of them according to Tar Heels Wire. UNC could potentially be a top 3 option for Brown. 

The spring basketball transfer portal window opened on April 7 and will remain open until April 21. 

More UNC basketball news:

• Hubert Davis releases statement after UNC firing
• Warning to UNC fans: Michael Malone doesn't want to 'Be Like Mike'
• Here's Coach K's unfiltered reaction to UNC hiring Michael Malone
• Why UNC hiring Michael Malone over Billy Donovan was a better fit
• UNC basketball is special but still not close to powerhouse