The UConn Huskies men’s basketball team is making a major push to retain one of its top stars.
According to Evan Sidery on X, formerly Twitter, the Huskies are preparing to offer Braylon Mullins a massive NIL package worth an estimated $4–5 million per year to keep him from entering the 2026 NBA Draft.
The reported deal would place the sharpshooter among the highest-paid players in college basketball.
The structure of the offer is designed to mirror what Mullins closely could earn as a mid-first-round pick, effectively removing the financial urgency to leave school early.
UConn’s goal is clear. Retain a pro-ready guard who projects as a lottery-to-mid-first-round selection and keep its championship window open for another season.
Timing critical for Mullins’ decision.
The timing of the reported offer is significant.
With the 2025-26 season complete, underclassmen across the country are weighing whether to declare for the NBA Draft. Mullins sits at the center of that decision cycle, with his stock firmly in first-round territory.
The report indicates the offer is imminent, signaling that UConn is acting quickly to influence his decision before draft declarations are finalized.
NIL landscape changing college basketball
This situation highlights the evolving reality of college basketball.
Top programs now operate in a space where they must financially compete with professional leagues to retain elite talent. UConn’s willingness to offer NBA-level compensation reflects how aggressive programs have become in the NIL era.
For players like Mullins, the decision is no longer strictly about development or draft positioning. It now includes a direct financial comparison between staying in college and turning professional.
What it means for UConn basketball
Retaining Mullins would be a major win for the Huskies.
The program has established itself as a national contender in recent seasons, and bringing back a player of his caliber would strengthen its chances of competing for another title.
Mullins’ scoring ability, versatility, and NBA-ready skill set make him a centerpiece-level player. Keeping him in Storrs for another year would provide both stability and star power to the roster.
Decision time
For Mullins, the choice now comes down to timing.
He can declare for the NBA Draft and begin his professional career, or he can return to UConn with a record-setting NIL deal and potentially elevate his draft stock even further.
Either way, Dan Hurley and the Huskies have made their position clear. The program will do anything to keep one of its best players for another season.
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