After weeks of speculation and just hours after reports surfaced of a finalized three-year, $89.7 million deal, ESPN has confirmed that the Wisconsin Badgers are officially losing their star Forward Guard to the Golden State Warriors. The athlete — whose name is being withheld pending formal team confirmation — reportedly touched down moments ago in San Francisco to finalize the signing with the Warriors.
This seismic move comes on the heels of a three-month suspension the player faced earlier this year for violating NBA rules while still playing at the collegiate level. Despite the controversy, NBA franchises aggressively pursued him, with Golden State ultimately winning the race for the explosive talent.
Sources close to the situation revealed that the deal had been in advanced stages even before the player’s suspension was lifted. Final details were ironed out late last night, with Golden State making a last-minute pitch that sealed the deal.
“This is one of the biggest collegiate-to-pro transitions we’ve seen since the NIL era began,” said an ESPN analyst. “Despite the suspension, his value didn’t dip — if anything, it skyrocketed. Golden State just made a long-term investment in a future franchise cornerstone.”
The signing also marks a dramatic shift in how college programs may need to recalibrate their roster strategies. The Wisconsin Badgers, ranked in the NCAA Top 25 earlier this season, will now face a significant gap in their lineup with just weeks before the new season begins.
Golden State is expected to hold an official press conference tomorrow morning to unveil the signing and outline their integration strategy for the young phenom.
