Why did Hunter Dickinson transfer to Kansas from Michigan? NBA development, NIL deals behind 'selfish' move

Of all college basketball transfers before the 2023-24 season, one stood out.

Hunter Dickinson, a Big Ten star, left Michigan for Kansas. It prompted questions and pushback from Wolverines fans regarding his decision to transfer after three years in the maize and blue. He could have left for the NBA Draft, as he was eligible, but instead wanted to stay in college.

His decision to enter the transfer portal was announced late March. Michigan lost in the second round of the NIT after failing to make the NCAA Tournament. On May 5, he announced his landing spot was in Lawrence, Kansas.

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Why did Hunter Dickinson transfer to Kansas?

Dickinson's transfer was met with controversy in part because NIL played such a large role in his decision. 

He reportedly made less than $100,000 his junior year, and during his transfer process, learned he could be making at least five times that. While he admitted financial prosperity influenced his decision, it was about himself as a business. Kansas is known for having one of the best NIL collectives in the country with Mass St. Collective.

"If I wanted to just go to the highest bidder then it wouldn't be Kansas," Dickinson told ESPN.

He could have left for the NBA Draft but recognized developing more in college would extend his time as a professional. He didn't see that happening at Michigan. Dickinson was frustrated with his junior season, and a loss in the second round of the NIT solidified that for him. In an Instagram post, he said he'll always see himself as a Michigan man, as he received his degree in the summer, but it was time to move on. 

He later said it was a "selfish" decision but was the best for his career.

"It took a lot of courage. I don't think people realize how much courage it took for a guy who was there for three years," he said. "I did have a legacy there and I basically gave that up to try to be selfish and do what's best for me and my career, not what's best for anybody else's career."

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During the transfer process, Dickinson looked at Kentucky, Georgetown, Villanova and Maryland. Returning closer to home with the Terps seemed like a tempting choice. But in the end, Bill Self was too tempting to pass up.

Dickinson was one of three highly rated transfers who chose the Jayhawks. Alongside Arterio Morris and Nicolas Timberlake, he provides much-needed depth and presence to the program as they chase another Big 12 and national championship.

Who is Hunter Dickinson?

At 7-2, Dickinson plays as big as he stands. He earned Big Ten Freshman of the year and was a second-team All-American in 2021. He was named to the All-Big Ten first team in 2022 and 2023.

The Alexandria, Virginia, native led Michigan in points and rebounds each year with the team. Through three seasons, he averaged 17.2 points ad 8.4 rebounds. He led the Wolverines to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament in 2021 and followed it up with a Sweet 16 appearance in 2022.

Ahead of the 2023-24 season, he was selected as the preseason Big 12 Player of the Year and his first week in was selected as the conference's Newcomer of the Week.

Dickinson attempted DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, where he became the winningest player in school history with a 119-22 record. He was the 2020 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and the 36th-ranked prospect in his class by ESPN 100.

MORE: Kansas scores big win with big man Hunter Dickinson's transfer from Michigan

Hunter Dickinson NIL deals

Dickinson's NIL evaluation comes in at $843,000, according to On3. It ranks fifth-highest in basketball and 35th overall on NIL100.

Among Dickinson's deals are Adidas, Charlie Hustle and Simple Truth.

Hunter Dickinson stats

Dickinson's consistency from the field was ranked nationally each season at Michigan. In two games, it's already been a huge help for Kansas. As a junior, he was third in the Big Ten with 14 double-doubles. We'll see how that fares in the Big 12.