Report: Henri Veesaar turned down $6 million offers to transfer away from UNC before NBA Draft decision
TL;DR
Henri Veesaar, a center for North Carolina, has decided to stay in the NBA Draft after rejecting offers exceeding $6 million to transfer. North Carolina could have offered him around $4 million to remain in the program.
Key points
- Henri Veesaar is leaving North Carolina for the NBA Draft.
- He turned down transfer offers exceeding $6 million.
- North Carolina's potential offer was around $4 million.
Mentioned in this story
Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) bites his jersey against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
It was reported on Friday that North CarolinaĀ centerĀ Henri VeesaarĀ is departing the program and intends to stay in the NBA Draft. CBS SportsāĀ Matt NorlanderĀ had the report.
Shortly after, Norlander reported a bombshell. Prior to Veesaarās decision to enter the NBA Draft, multiple schools tried to lure the Second Team All-ACC selection into the Transfer Portal. He was offered at least $6 million, although Carolinaās NIL negotiations never came close to that number. North Carolinaās brass could have offered Veesaar in the ballpark of $4 million to stay, but he instead wishes to begin his professional basketball journey.
This news comes after Norlander reported that Florida star forward Thomas Haugh, who spurned the NBA Draft lottery to return to college, could make more than $10 million in NIL for the 2026-27 season. College basketball is bigger than ever, and programs are dishing out more money than ever.
More on Henri Veesaarās decision to enter, stay in 2026 NBA Draft
Following the firing ofĀ Hubert DavisĀ and shocking hire of former Denver Nuggets head coachĀ Mike Malone, it remained unclear in the immediate aftermath what Veesaar planned on doing. If he returned to Carolina, thereās no doubt heād be the Preseason ACC Player of the Year. If he entered the Portal, he likely would have been the No. 1 player available.
However, he is heading to the NBA, and will surpass a massive NIL payday from a potential National Championship contender. Veesaar is projected to be the No. 29 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft (Cleveland), inĀ Yahoo SportsāĀ Kevin OāConnorāsĀ latest Mock Draft.
In his lone season atĀ North Carolina, Veesaar emerged as one of the most dominant players in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tallin, Estonia native averaged 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 31 games for the Tar Heels.
His career began atĀ Arizona, where he averaged 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 66 games. Veesaarās best game atĀ North CarolinaĀ came in an 80-79 loss toĀ ClemsonĀ on March 12, in which he scored a career-high 28 points. He also grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds in the game.
The prized center heads to the NBA asĀ North CarolinaĀ basketball heads into a new era. After five seasons at the helm, head coachĀ Hubert DavisĀ and the program parted ways after the Tar Heels fell in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season. Carolina hired former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone to fill the opening, although that was not enough to entice the 7ā0ā³ center to return to Chapel Hill.
Q&A
Why did Henri Veesaar choose to enter the NBA Draft instead of transferring?
Henri Veesaar opted to enter the NBA Draft to begin his professional basketball career, despite lucrative transfer offers.
What were the financial offers Henri Veesaar received to transfer from UNC?
Henri Veesaar received offers of at least $6 million from multiple schools to transfer before deciding to enter the NBA Draft.
How much could North Carolina have offered Henri Veesaar to stay?
North Carolina could have offered Henri Veesaar approximately $4 million to remain with the program.
