It feels as if there’s now one massive coaching decision that happens in the college basketball world. We saw departures such as Bruce Pearl, Tony Bennett, and Jay Wright late in the offseason in recent years. Now, the big news is that Michigan is losing national title-winning head coach Dusty May to the Dallas Mavericks.
There are plenty of takeaways from this news, but one of the most immediate is that the transfer portal is now officially open for the next 15 days, allowing any current players on the Wolverines' roster to leave without penalty.
It may not be that easy, given that many teams don’t have the resources to pay high salaries for these talented players. Still, some with roster needs will try to find a way. Here’s a look at the top five players to watch on Michigan’s roster.
1. Trey McKenney
2025-26 stats: 9.9 ppg and 2.8 rpg
The former five-star prospect was one of the best 6th men in the country as a freshman, shooting almost 40% from deep. McKenney had two games of at least 16 points in the NCAA Tournament and is a consensus national breakout candidate to watch for next year. Teams still needing an offensive boost on their perimeter will have a ton of interest in him.
2. Moustapha Thiam
2025-26 stats (Cincy): 12.8 ppg and 7.1 rpg
The 7’2 center is one of the top interior bigs in the country, blocking 138 shots in two years at UCF and Cincy. He has the potential to space the floor and is a perfectly fine rim-runner as well. Teams that still need an impact center may need around 5 million in available funds, but Thiam would be a game-changer for frontcourt-deprived teams.
3. Elliot Cadeau
2025-26 stats: 10.5 ppg and 5.9 apg
A year ago, Cadeau was barely viewed as a key transfer, coming off ups and downs at UNC. But he saved his best games for last, including multiple 10-assist games and 19 points in the national title game win over UConn to earn Final Four MVP honors. He’s one of the best point guards for the 2026-27 campaign and is a senior lead guard candidate who can raise a team’s ceiling.
4. JP Estrella
2025-26 stats (Tennessee): 10 ppg and 5.4 rpg
Similar to Thiam, Estrella was one of the top interior bigs in the country, even after playing just 18 mpg off the bench at Tennessee. Considering the fit questions with Thiam, he may be the most likely to leave Michigan. For teams that need a defensive big, he also likely will be cheaper than Thiam.
5. Brandon McCoy Jr.
Although technically not a portal candidate since he’s an incoming freshman, McCoy can still leave. He’s a five-star guard prospect who can shoot the ball well and also can handle the ball if needed. He might not be as expensive as the proven veterans, but he also isn’t proven. Still, teams could see if he’s available, including those who lost out in the recruiting race in April.
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