Duke Blue Devils get potential reverse Nikolas Khamenia transfer rumor

Q: What does it mean for Nikolas Khamenia to enter the transfer portal?

Entering the transfer portal means Nikolas Khamenia is exploring opportunities to play for a different college basketball program.

Q: Is there a possibility for Nikolas Khamenia to return to Duke?

Yes, discussions indicate that there may still be an opportunity for Khamenia to return to Duke despite entering the transfer portal.

Q: How might Duke Blue Devils replace Nikolas Khamenia if he doesn't return?

If Khamenia does not return, Duke is likely to seek another incoming transfer to fill his position on the team.

Duke Blue Devils get potential reverse Nikolas Khamenia transfer rumor

TL;DR

Nikolas Khamenia, a five-star freshman for the Duke Blue Devils, has entered the transfer portal but may have the option to return. Discussions suggest that Duke could be looking to replace him with another transfer.

Duke Blue Devils get potential reverse Nikolas Khamenia transfer rumor originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Nikolas Khamenia is in the transfer portal, planning on going somewhere new after being a Duke Blue Devils five-star freshman this past season.

What if the door is still open for a return?

That's what the Locked On Blue Devils podcast discussed this week:

It's not necessarily an easy outcome in the transfer portal era. Once Khamenia enters the portal, Duke likely looks to replace him with an incoming transfer.

Still, he hasn't latched on quickly, which has some wondering if his portal time isn't going as well as he hoped.

He has previously been linked by multiple people to Arizona.

"Nikolas Khamenia to Arizona makes a ton of sense on paper," CBS Sports writer Cameron Salerno wrote on X. "Tommy Lloyd coached him last summer on the U19 team + he has ties to the West Coast. He also addresses a need for Arizona: shooting. Definitely a breakout candidate next season in the right situation."

Wherever he ends up, Khamenia could certainly make an impact.

The 6-foot-8 wing has athleticism and shooting talent, and he averaged 5.7 points per game in his freshman season with the Blue Devils while playing maybe fewer minutes than he would've expected.

"Nik Khamenia started the year as a projected first-round pick on my draft board," ESPN's Jonathan Givony writes, "and I fully expect him to be back there. He's going to drive winning next year with his combination of connective passing, toughness, skill and improving shot-making. Turned 19 in late December."

Maybe it'll be back with Duke. That doesn't seem to be the favored outcome, but it appears to be an actual possibility.

MORE:Cayden Boozer catches harsh strays for LaMelo Ball reason

Share this article