Rick Barnes has thrust Tennessee into a three-horse race with Michigan and North Carolina for one of the top portal talents this offseason, Wake Forest transfer Juke Harris. Closing the deal will take a lot of work and even more money.
After averaging 21.4 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Demon Deacons last season, the 6-foot-7 wing is a hot commodity. Also weighing an entry into the 2026 NBA Draft, Pete Nakos of On3 reported that it will take a deal near the $3 million range to keep him in school.
That’s not an astronomical asking price in the market, but it would be a hefty price for the Volunteers to pay in the midst of an offseason overhaul with only one rotation player from last year’s team returning.
Sources tell @On3 they expect the Wake Forest transfer to land a deal in the $3 million range, if not more, if he returns to college.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) April 14, 2026
Intel: https://t.co/mCtkjEeyKm https://t.co/RmobVnGaB9
Juke Harris is expected to command a deal in the $3 million range
The argument that Michigan bought its championship roster is flawed. Yaxel Lendeborg was one of the top players available last year, but Aday Mara and Elliot Cadeau were relatively economical adds after less-than-stellar starts to their respective collegiate careers. The general understanding of that roster is that it cost about $10 million, which is reasonable in a year Kentucky dropped $22 million, and North Carolina spent $14 million.
However, this offseason, to retain Mara, Cadeau, Morez Johnson Jr., and Trey McKenney, while adding J.P. Estrella and fighting for Juke Harris, Dusty May could have the most expensive roster in the country. Even with all that money committed, Michigan won’t be scared by a $3 millon price tag.
UNC has redoubled its spending efforts after hiring Michael Malone and just wiped the books clean by parting ways with five-star Dylan Mingo, and allowing Kyan Evans and Luka Bogavac to enter the portal. Now, the Tar Heels are ready to go big-game hunting, and Harris is at the top of their list.
While there isn’t a robust group of competitors for Harris, those in the mix will be willing to spend top dollar. So, Tennessee better be prepared to do the same. The Vols have made big pickups with Dai Dai Ames, Tyler Lundblade, and Miles Rubin, but you can argue Barnes is still searching for a centerpiece. Harris would be that player, and if that puts Tennessee in the mix to finally break through the Elite Eight ceiling, no price is too steep.
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