Michael Malone, UNC reportedly saved $6 million in NIL by cutting ties with three players

Michael Malone, UNC reportedly saved $6 million in NIL by cutting ties with three players originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . When Michael Malone stepped onto campus at UNC, the entire vibe of the program changed instantly.

This was a non-traditional hire in terms of North Carolina standards, and there is now an "outsider" running the program that Dean Smith and Roy Williams once took to the top. One week into the process, the NBA champion head coach has made a series of moves to make the Tar Heels competitive. One of those was cutting ties with five-star guard Dylan Mingo , who committed to UNC under former coach Hubert Davis.

Many have wondered why Malone would be willing to walk away from a top-tier prospect, but in reality, being able to start fresh and try to be a veteran ball handler was key. Not to mention, there were cost savings by letting Mingo and two others go. According to 247Sports' Grant Hughes , NIL commitment and fit played a role.

"The Tar Heels reportedly wiped $6 million off the books following the exits of Mingo, Kyan Evans, and Luka Bogavac. " He went on to say, "Malone is trying to get the biggest fish. " Being able to trade three players who are making $6 million collectively for better talent at the same price sounds like what Malone and his staff are trying to accomplish.