LSU hired former NC State head coach Will Wade to replace Matt McMahon after five seasons and a disappointing 45-42 record with the Tigers. However, the move to bring in Wade could backfire, as the Wolfpack has reportedly launched an investigation into the hiring.
According to WRAL News, NC State is investigating whether LSU violated the ‘Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act,’ claiming it has ‘reason to believe’ the Tigers played a role in Wade’s resignation from his prior job and in his acceptance of the LSU offer just one day later.
NC State officials reportedly believe LSU tried to minimize Wade’s buyout fee by colluding with the coach, citing ‘timing and circumstances.’
“The timing and circumstances of Coach Wade’s departure from Raleigh and his resignation, along with the LSU term sheet, and the eventual [buyout] payment of $4 million to NC State raise questions about LSU’s potential liability in this matter,” NC State General Counsel Allison B. Newhart wrote to LSU General Counsel Carlton Jones.
Wade reportedly negotiated a $4m buyout with NC State, with LSU making the payment on May 8. LSU also sent NC State a “mutual release and settlement agreement,” which NC State’s counsel Allison Newhart rejected in a response sent on June 4.
“NC State has not agreed — and does not agree now — to release LSU from any liability. Instead, NC State is investigating whether LSU improperly induced Coach Wade to breach his employment agreement, induced Coach Wade to terminate his employment agreement, and interfered with the timing of termination of the employment agreement to result in lower liquidation damages — all to NC State’s detriment,” she said per WRAL.
Will Wade’s LSU transfer portal struggles continue
LSU lost the majority of its roster to the transfer portal, with nine players leaving the team after an SEC-worst 3-15 conference record. This included Jalen Reed, Mike Nwoko and Jalen Reece.
However, Wade has only been able to recruit four players so far for next year’s roster, headlined by former four-star Alabama recruit Mouhamed Dioubate and Kansas State shooting guard Abdi Bashir Jr.
The team has also recruited former St. John’s guard RJ Luis, who was part of the 2025 NBA Draft. While Luis Jr. did not get drafted, he bounced around multiple G-League and NBA rosters.
However, Luis Jr. ‘s future with the team remains in jeopardy, as NCAA rules explicitly prohibit players who sign with G League or NBA teams from returning to college basketball.
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