Guard Isaiah Wong will remain at Miami after his agent threatened that Wong would enter the transfer portal if he did not receive a compensation increase in a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal.
Agent Adam Papas originally told ESPN late Thursday that Wong would enter the transfer portal Friday if he and his family “don’t feel that the NIL number meets their expectations.”
At issue was a previous agreement with LifeWallet, whose CEO John Ruiz insisted he wouldn’t renegotiate the NIL deal. After Wong and Ruiz spoke Friday, they agreed that Wong would stay at Miami on his current NIL deal and Ruiz would help him find additional opportunities to cash in.
“Glad Wong didn’t enter the portal,” Ruiz tweeted Friday. “This is a great youngster and his mom is amazing. The deal remains the same, however, as I said day one I will help him get other NIL Deals.”
Wong also declared for the 2022 NBA Draft earlier this week and will keep his name in it for now.
A two-time All-ACC selection, Wong averaged 15.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 2021-22 for a Hurricanes team that reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. He has started 75 of his 95 games over three seasons in Miami, averaging 13.3 points and 4.0 rebounds.
Papas also represents Nijel Pack, who transferred from Kansas State to Miami. Papas announced this month he had negotiated a deal for Pack to earn $800,000 over two years plus a car.
The specific amount of Wong’s current NIL compensation was not disclosed.
The deadline for players to enter the transfer portal and remain eligible for next season is Sunday.
–Field Level Media
