The Michigan Wolverines are getting ready for a crucial offseason, with head coach Dusty May facing a significant challenge in reshaping his roster. With key players departing and the transfer portal now open, Michigan basketball is looking to rebuild ahead of the 2025 season.
While there is currently little movement in terms of incoming players, the departure of Tre Donaldson marks the first official domino to fall for the Wolverines. Here’s a full breakdown of Michigan basketball’s transfer portal activity.
Players Transferring Out
Justin Pippen (G)
Michigan fans got their first bit of transfer portal news when freshman guard Justin Pippen entered his name into the database immediately after the window opened. The son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, Justin played a limited role in his first season with the Wolverines and did not travel with the team to Denver for the NCAA tournament’s opening rounds.
His decision to transfer signals his intent to find a program where he can secure more playing time and further develop his game. He has since committed to Cal, aiming for a fresh start in the ACC.
Pippen’s departure leaves Michigan searching for depth at the guard position, particularly with the impending exits of Nimari Burnett and Rubin Jones. With their backcourt undergoing a shakeup, May must prioritize experience and versatility when targeting replacements.
Tre Donaldson (G)
Former Michigan point guard Tre Donaldson has officially found a new home. The veteran floor general announced Thursday on Instagram that he’ll be returning to his home state to play for Miami (Fla.) in his senior season.
Donaldson was one of the few bright spots for Michigan last season, starting all 37 games and averaging 11.3 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per contest. His departure leaves a leadership void at point guard but also opens the door for a new era in the Wolverines’ backcourt.
Sam Walters (F)
Sam Walters is headed back to the SEC. The sophomore who played this past season with the Michigan men’s basketball team announced on Thursday he is transferring to Mississippi State. The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 12.7 minutes over 23 games as a sophomore, last taking the court on Feb. 8. He missed Michigan’s next game due to a family funeral and the rest after suffering a back injury in practice.
Walters averaged five points and 1.6 rebounds per game at Michigan, shooting 26 for 71 (37 percent) from 3-point range. He was hot early in the season before cooling off. Head coach Dusty May believed he was playing better before the injury.
Mississippi State went 21-13 last season, losing as an 8 seed to Baylor in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Walters will face Alabama, one of his former schools, at least once next season. At Alabama, he appeared in 37 games off the bench, making 39 percent of his 3s and helping the Crimson Tide reach the Final Four.
Players Transferring In
Elliot Cadeau (G)
The former North Carolina standout is transferring to Michigan, providing an instant upgrade at point guard. Cadeau started 68 games over the past two seasons for the Tar Heels and was once considered one of the top recruits in the country. His arrival brings experience, playmaking, and a high basketball IQ to the Wolverines’ backcourt.
Morez Johnson (F)
Johnson committed to Michigan over a host of top-tier SEC programs, giving Dusty May a much-needed interior presence. The Wolverines are still in the mix for several other top transfer targets, including the No. 1-ranked player in the portal, but landing Johnson is a key first step in retooling the frontcourt.
Yaxel Lendeborg (F/C)
Michigan scored a major commitment when UAB forward Yaxel Lendeborg chose the Wolverines after entering the portal on March 31. However, Lendeborg is also strongly considering staying in the 2025 NBA Draft. According to Jeff Goodman, the 22-year-old will evaluate his stock during the combine (May 11–18) before making a final decision by the May 28 withdrawal deadline.
If he stays in school, Lendeborg could be a game-changing addition to Michigan’s frontcourt.
Bubu Benjamin (G) – Tarleton State (Contact Made)
Michigan has also made contact with Tarleton State’s Bubu Benjamin to replenish its guard depth. A skilled ball-handler and proven scorer in the WAC, Benjamin could immediately impact the Wolverines’ rotation. However, no official visits or commitments have been reported yet.
What’s Next for Michigan?
Michigan’s most significant question is how to replace its dominant 7-footers, Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf. Goldin is out of eligibility, and Wolf is expected to test at the NBA level. With two key interior players potentially gone, May and his staff must be aggressive in the portal.
KEEP READING: Justin Pippen Transfer Portal: Top 5 Landing Spots for Michigan’s Guard
Additionally, backcourt reinforcements are a priority, with Burnett and Jones moving on. Expect Michigan to pursue experienced guards who can immediately contribute and help stabilize the lineup.
As the offseason continues to unfold, the Wolverines appear far from finished. New names will undoubtedly emerge, and decisions like Lendeborg’s NBA status could significantly shape the future of Dusty May’s first roster in Ann Arbor.
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