.jpg)
2 hours ago
3
Sometimes, you don't know how a transfer portal addition will fit until the season begins. Yaxel Lendeborg is the type of player who will fit just about any system.
The former UAB star had options when he entered the portal in 2025, and they weren't limited to college basketball. Lendeborg had a chance to be a first-round pick if he made the jump right from UAB, but he instead committed to Michigan and withdrew his name from the NBA Draft.
It's no surprise that Lendeborg had numerous teams chasing him, but it was surprising to hear him say he actually passed on the most lucrative offer he received in the portal.
Here's what you need to know about Lendeborg's decision to pass on Kentucky for Michigan.
MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more
How much money is Michigan paying Yaxel Lendeborg?
Michigan is paying Lendeborg about $5 million this season, according to CBS Sports. While money was certainly a factor in Lendeborg's recruitment while he was in the portal, he chose Michigan over Kentucky and others in part because of the opportunity to play for Dusty May.
The former UAB star was one of the highest sought-after players in the transfer portal, even as he considered jumping to the NBA. Lendeborg remained in the draft after committing to Michigan, but the Wolverines held out hope he would play one more season and saw their bet pay off.
How much money did Kentucky offer Yaxel Lendeborg?
Lendeborg said in March that Kentucky offered him $7-9 million for the 2025-26 season.
"They started the number with $7 to 9 [million]," Lendeborg said. "They were pretty much going off on the route like we'll pay him anything to get here."
Lendeborg explained that he didn't grow up with money and didn't feel the need to simply go to the highest bidder.
"Anything was going to make me super, super happy at the time. I was thinking long term," he told reporters. "What if I mess up my career because I chased the money instead of a future? Another big reason why I went with Dusty was he didn't talk about money at all. It was all about making me better and helping me achieve my goals."
Kentucky coach Mark Pope, however, called Lendeborg's claim "categorically false." The Wildcats still spent big in the portal, landing Mouhamed Dioubate, Jayden Quaintance, Denzel Aberdeen, Jaland Lowe and Kam Williams while retaining star Otega Oweh. Kentucky still saw its season end in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, with injuries partly to blame.
Lendeborg's leap of faith appears to be paying off, as he is the centerpiece of one of the most dominant teams in the country and remains a projected first-round pick despite being 23. SN's latest mock draft projects Lendeborg to be selected No. 18 overall in June.
MORE: Yaxel Lendeborg NBA Draft scouting report
Yaxel Lendeborg NIL deals
The source of Lendeborg's money isn't entirely clear, but he does have one known sponsorship deal. The Michigan star partnered with Mediterranean food chain CAVA in March along with teammate Trey McKenney to put "Yaxel's Game Day Bowl" on the menu.
The deal only adds onto the estimated $5 million Lendeborg received from Michigan to play this season, and more deals could be in his future if he leads the Wolverines to a national championship.
English (US)