UNC Cuts Ties with 3 Players, Saves $6M in NIL Deals

New coach Michael Malone makes bold moves to reshape the Tar Heels roster.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented college basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the strategic shifts in UNC's program under new coach Michael Malone.Malone's strategic roster moves aim to reshape the Tar Heels' identity through a veteran-led, experienced approach.Wake Forest Today

In a surprising move, newly hired UNC basketball coach Michael Malone has cut ties with three players - five-star recruit Dylan Mingo, Kyan Evans, and Luka Bogavac - reportedly saving the program $6 million in NIL deals. Malone is looking to bring in more experienced talent, including a potential $3 million-plus transfer from Wake Forest's Juke Harris, as he aims to quickly rebuild the Tar Heels into a contender.

Why it matters

Malone's willingness to part ways with high-profile recruits and lucrative NIL contracts signals a dramatic shift in UNC's approach under new leadership. The cost savings will allow Malone to be more selective in building his roster, prioritizing veteran talent over unproven youth as he looks to quickly restore the Tar Heels to national prominence.

The details

After being hired as UNC's new head coach, Malone moved swiftly to cut ties with five-star recruit Dylan Mingo, as well as Kyan Evans and Luka Bogavac. According to reports, this freed up $6 million in NIL deals that the program had committed to the three players. Malone is now targeting experienced talent like Wake Forest transfer Juke Harris, who is reportedly seeking a $3 million-plus NIL contract for next season.

  • Malone was hired as UNC's new head coach in early April 2026.
  • Malone met with Harris and his coaching staff this past weekend to discuss a potential transfer.

The players

Michael Malone

The new head coach of the UNC Tar Heels, known for his success in the NBA as the head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

Dylan Mingo

A five-star recruit who had committed to play for UNC under former coach Hubert Davis.

Juke Harris

A transfer target from Wake Forest, reportedly seeking a $3 million-plus NIL contract to play for UNC next season.

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What they’re saying

“The Tar Heels reportedly wiped $6 million off the books following the exits of Mingo, Kyan Evans, and Luka Bogavac.”

— Grant Hughes, 247Sports reporter

“Malone is trying to get the biggest fish.”

— Grant Hughes, 247Sports reporter

What’s next

Malone and his staff will continue to evaluate the transfer portal and recruit new talent to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Michael Malone's bold moves to cut ties with high-profile recruits and lucrative NIL deals signal a new era of leadership for the UNC basketball program. By prioritizing experienced talent over unproven youth, Malone is positioning the Tar Heels to quickly return to national prominence under his guidance.