NBA Teams Reportedly Aware Michigan's Lendeborg Has 'Multimillion-Dollar NIL Package'
Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg's reportedly large NIL deal may affect his 2025 NBA draft future, as he could choose to play for the Wolverines during the 2025-26 season.
ESPN's Jeremy Woo reported Monday that NBA teams are "aware Lendeborg has a multimillion-dollar NIL package to attend Michigan next season."
The 22-year-old spent two years at UAB from 2023-25 before transferring to Michigan in April, but explained that he wanted to go through the pre-draft process.
"I'm focused on the draft process and making the NBA right now," Lendeborg said, per ESPN's Jonathan Givony. "I want a guaranteed contract. That's the biggest thing, make sure I am in a good spot. I would prefer to play college basketball in Ann Arbor than be in and out of the G League on a two-way. I want to find a safe spot."
If Lendeborg's projected draft range drops, he may earn more from playing a year with the Wolverines compared to his first contract in the NBA. The No. 30 overall pick in the 2025 draft can earn as much as $2.7 million for the 2025-26 season, via Spotrac.
Lendeborg was projected to be selected with the No. 31 pick in the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman.
In 37 games with UAB last season, he averaged 17.7 points while leading the AAC with 11.4 rebounds per game. Lendeborg also racked up 1.7 steals and 1.8 blocks on a nightly basis, shooting 52.2 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from behind the arc.
As the draft draws closer, NBA teams appear to have an eye on Lendeborg's pending decision regarding his college career.
