Tennessee's Rick Barnes reportedly close to finalizing $3M deal for top transfer over UNC, Michigan

Tennessee's Rick Barnes reportedly close to finalizing $3M deal for top transfer over UNC, Michigan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball are once again active in the transfer portal under head coach Rick Barnes. However, the key difference this year is that the Vols have significantly increased their NIL resources in hopes of landing some of the nation’s top players.

“Tennessee basketball is on track to be among the elite in NIL spending next season. On3’s Pete Nakos on Thursday reported the Vols are one of a handful of teams set to spend $10 million or more in NIL for its roster next season,” VolQuest’s Grant Ramey wrote.

The Vols have hosted top transfer Juke Harris for both an in-home visit and campus discussions. Tennessee was originally considered behind in the recruitment battle, but now may have moved into the lead.

“Speaking with multiple sources on Tuesday, there is growing confidence that Tennessee can close this out,” reported On3’s Pete Nakos. “Harris is expected to land a deal north of $3 million, which Tennessee is ready to pay. Barnes and Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes are also friendly, which could work in the Vols’ favor. Harris is still going through the NBA draft process, which could drag out a final decision.”

Landing Harris would be a major addition for the Vols, and it appears Barnes is doing everything possible to bring him to Rocky Top.

“Rick Barnes is taking that one on kind of personally,” said VolQuest’s Austin Price Wednesday on 104.5 The Zone. “He has been working [Harris]. It felt like Michigan four days ago. He went there first (on a visit). He got there and (Michigan) had this championship celebration. But the further we get away from that, the more this feels like a Tennessee vs North Carolina battle.”

Harris would be a game-changing addition for the Vols, but Michigan Wolverines men's basketball and North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball remain strong competitors in his recruitment. His NBA Draft evaluation also remains a factor in his decision timeline. Harris is the No. 1 small forward, according to 247 Sports.

Barnes entered the race for Harris later than some programs, but Tennessee has made up significant ground, suggesting this is now a battle the Vols feel confident in winning. Tennessee has already secured several key commitments and may not be finished adding talent this cycle.