Not too long ago, it was uncertain whether PJ Haggerty would play a fourth season of college basketball. However, he has now confirmed his return to college and his withdrawal from the 2025 NBA Draft process. Interestingly, he chose Kansas State, reportedly settling for a significantly lower NIL deal than expected.
Now that Haggerty has committed to the Wildcats, both fans and analysts are eager to see how his talent will impact the Wildcats. But the real story lies in how the initial $4 million price tag played a role in the decision-making process, and what it reveals about the future of NIL-driven transfers.
Jeff Goodman Breaks Down PJ Haggerty’s Shocking Wildcats Move After $4M Demand
Unexpectedly, PJ Haggerty, the AAC Player of the Year, has formally pledged his commitment to Kansas State. This comes after he entered the transfer portal in April with a bold price tag. According to The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman, Haggerty was reportedly seeking a massive $4 million NIL deal, but Kansas State signed him for much less.
Goodman posted on social media, saying, “Haggerty got a lot less than the 4 million his dad was asking for when he went in the portal.” That single line encapsulated the underlying reality.
Memphis transfer PJ Haggerty has committed to Kansas State, source told @TheFieldOf68.
Haggerty got a lot less than the 4 million his dad was asking for when he went in the portal.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 26, 2025
As the NCAA insider noted, Haggerty’s father played a significant role in setting financial expectations. When PJ entered the transfer portal, his father reportedly asked for $4 million in NIL compensation to secure a new school. This high asking price likely scared off many top programs, as $4 million is an enormous sum for a single college athlete.
Last season, he averaged 21.7 points per game, making him one of the best transfer prospects. Still, his steep NIL demand made it hard for him to find a new team willing to meet that price.
KEEP READING: PJ Haggerty Shopping Around for 300% Increase in NIL Value As He Weighs Options in Transfer Portal
However, Goodman’s tweet simply confirms that Haggerty got much less than the $4 million his father initially asked for, but it doesn’t specify the exact amount he received. However, reports suggest his NIL deal is around $2 million with an additional $500,000 in incentives, bringing his total potential earnings to $2.5 million.
PJ Haggerty’s transfer story shines a light on how complicated NIL deals have become in college basketball. Players now negotiate big financial packages before committing to schools.
While a massive deal sounds exciting, Haggerty’s experience shows the risks of demanding too much. Some programs simply won’t meet those high expectations, which can limit a player’s options.
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