Last week, Arkansas freshman Boogie Fland entered the transfer portal hours before the window closed. In his Instagram post announcing the decision, Fland clarified that moving on to the NBA was his plan, only entering the portal to keep his options open. However, after the latest rumors, it may be in his best financial interest to return for another team.
If the star point guard decides to return to college, Florida may already have sunk their claws into him. And the price tag, according to Bo Mattingly of The Chuck & Bo Show, could top out at around $7 million.
Boogie Fland to Florida basketball for $7 million
"I was surprised to hear what I'm about to tell you. I believe that Boogie Fland—if he doesn't stay in the draft—could end up getting 5, 6, maybe $7 million."
"Good for him," the show's executive producer Bart Pohlman chimed in immediately.
Indeed, that would be a great deal for him because if he returned to Arkansas, with the talent the Razorbacks have on the roster, there wouldn't be extra money to match it. And with Darius Acuff and DJ Wagner, earning time at the point may cause more trouble than it's worth.
If the Gators are willing to pay that amount, no one could blame Fland for defecting to an SEC opponent, specifically, the reigning national champions. But why would that lure him away from the pros? That's because, most likely, he'll earn more in college than in the NBA.
Only the top 11 players selected made more than $5 million in the 2024 NBA draft. Fland is projected to land anywhere from the late first round to the middle of the second. So, at most, he may sign a $4 million contract and, at worst, sign a two-way deal with little or no guaranteed money.
At the end of the day, Fland will do what's best for his situation, but if he heads to Gainesville, Mattingly said it best. "Man, good for you. We love you. We're still family. Go get your money," because he certainly isn't getting that at Arkansas.