The college basketball transfer portal faces an unprecedented financial demand as Memphis star PJ Haggerty seeks a $4 million deal. The AAC Player of the Year, who averaged 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season, represented by his father, initially started with a $5 million ask before adjusting downward.
This high-stakes negotiation has hit numerous roadblocks as major programs are resisting both the price tag and positional demands.
Big Name Schools Back Away from PJ Haggerty’s Price Tag
The NIL era has transformed college basketball’s transfer market into a financial battlefield where even top talent can overestimate their worth.
Despite Haggerty’s heroics, including a jaw-dropping 42-point explosion against Wichita State that reportedly “saved Penny Hardaway’s job,” he finds himself in a bind. With fewer deep-pocketed programs remaining in the hunt, the All-American guard faces a stark reality about his market value despite his undeniable on-court brilliance.
According to basketball insiders, multiple high profile programs have already removed themselves from consideration.
“All of them are out at that asking price all of them are out” reported one insider. The list of schools rejecting the $4 million valuation includes powerhouses like St. John’s, Baylor, Indiana, Kansas and Florida.
The complications extend beyond just the financial demands. Haggerty’s representatives are also insisting on a specific role requirement.
“Part of it is the money, part of it is also the demand to play the point the majority of the time” the insider revealed.
This stipulation comes despite Haggerty’s natural scoring instincts and combo guard playing style.
Comparisons to other recent transfers are driving the aggressive asking price.
“They’re looking at it as Rob Wright signed for three they the number out there is 3.5 it’s actually three” explained the insider. “So they’re thinking well my kid’s better than Rob Wright which he was last year.”
This benchmark has established expectations despite market changes.
Limited Options Remain as Elite Programs Fill Their Rosters
The timing of Haggerty’s portal entry presents additional challenges. “Timing is everything because a lot of these schools right now don’t have the same money they had three weeks ago when Rob Wright signed,” noted the insider.
With BYU and Kentucky operating in “a different realm” financially, Haggerty’s options narrow.
Memphis currently values Haggerty around $1.7 million through their Bluff City NIL collective. With his efficient 47.6% shooting and impressive 40.9% from 3-point range last season, Haggerty has proven his on-court value.
However, his NBA draft prospects remain uncertain due to size limitations, making maximizing college earnings particularly important.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
One potential landing spot suggested by insiders is Ole Miss.
“Old Miss they need they need a guy like him” the insider observed, noting Haggerty desires “playing in a place where he’s relevant all year” after experiencing diminished attention at Memphis after January.
The most likely scenario may involve a coach facing job security concerns.
“I think he ends up going honestly to a school and a coach who might be desperate” predicted the insider.
Despite Haggerty’s impressive credentials, the $4 million valuation appears increasingly unrealistic as the transfer window rapidly approaches its close.
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