Jamir Watkins Transfer Portal: UNC Pushes Ahead of Arkansas & Kentucky

Jamir Watkins is weighing his professional future after declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft and entering the transfer portal with a “do not ” tag. But if he decides to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft, North Carolina has emerged as the frontrunner to land the versatile 6-foot-7 forward. Arkansas, Louisville, and Kentucky are also interested in the former Florida State guard. Find out which team offers the best fit for Watkins’ next team.

North Carolina Makes Late Push For Watkins Amid NBA Draft Buzz

Jamir Watkins has impressed early on defensively.

6’6 + 6’11 wingspan, strong frame, tools + POA skill. pic.twitter.com/0uMDHFiz8H

— Mohamed (@mcfdraft) May 15, 2025

Drake Powell is officially keeping his name in the NBA Draft and Hubert Davis suddenly needs to acquire another high-profile player to round out the roster.

North Carolina has had a relatively disappointing offseason, failing to secure commitments from top transfers, including Andrej Stojaković and  Boogie Fland, who were linked to the Tar Heels both during their recruitment and in the portal. Under Davis, UNC has developed a reputation as a destination where top recruits go to tank their NBA Draft stock and Powell’s recent comments at the NBA Combine didn’t help alleviate those concerns. Of course, that didn’t stop UNC from securing top-five recruit Caleb Wilson, who is expected to step in and contribute immediately.

The frontcourt is stacked with transfers Henri Veesaar and Jarin Stevenson ing Wilson to round out the forward spots but UNC has a glaring hole on the wing and very few players who possess the type of shot creation needed to make a deep NCAA Tournament run.

Watkins makes perfect sense as a high-volume scorer with ACC experience who can also use his length and athleticism to disrupt opponents at the point of attack. He had a strong NBA Combine, flashing impressive shot-making and defensive versatility and could remain in the Draft after likely securing his status as a potential second-round pick. However, in doing so, he’d likely be leaving millions on the table in 2025, which could ultimately be the deciding factor for the 23-year-old guard.

North Carolina has the NIL budget, potential usage, and national spotlight to seal the deal. The only question is whether or not Watkins believes he can improve his NBA standing by playing one more season in Chapel Hill.

Why Arkansas Makes Sense for Jamir Watkins

With how the transfer portal has shaken out, it looks like Arkansas has a clear advantage in the chase to sign Watkins, who is one of the best players remaining in the college basketball transfer portal.

Watkins’ game aligns perfectly with Arkansas’ current needs and direction under head coach John Calipari. He brings proven two-way production (18.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.4 APG at FSU last season) and over 120 games of college experience — assets Calipari has relied on during his transition-heavy years. He also played with former FSU star Malique Ewin, who also took his talents to Fayetteville. The tandem could help immediately elevate the Razorbacks to SEC contenders, which likely makes Watkins among the top players left on Calipari’s board.

Here’s what Arkansas and Watkins can offer one another:

• Versatility: Watkins can defend multiple spots and play on or off the ball.
• Immediate Role: Calipari is building through the portal and needs experienced scorers.
• NIL Leverage: Arkansas is one of the most aggressive programs in NIL compensation. Watkins could earn more staying than as a late first/early second round pick.
• NBA Prep: Calipari’s NBA pipeline is still a major draw, even outside of Kentucky.

Arkansas has also been linked to players like PJ Haggerty, but Watkins is a better fit. Not only is he likely going to come at a cheaper price, but he is more willing to play off the ball while Haggerty has demanded significant minutes at the point guard spot, which will likely be reserved for incoming freshman Darius Acuff Jr.

Louisville Linked To Watkins

Louisville was also linked to Watkins, per FieldOf68’s Jeff Goodman but it remains to be seen whether anything has truly materialized.

Head coach Pat Kelsey is trying to put together a roster that can compete for a national title and a player of Watkins’ caliber would certainly help move the needle. Louisville needs a lengthy forward who can help space out the floor, especially after the departure of James Scott, but I’m not sure that the Cardinals are willing to get into a bidding war with some of the NIL juggernauts on this list.

The Cardinal have also reached out to former Miami forward Paul Djobet and would likely land him at a much cheaper price tag.

Kentucky Can’t Be Ruled Out For FSU Guard

Kentucky is reportedly willing to spend as much as $20 million to outfit its basketball roster heading into next season. That puts the Wildcats in contention for some of the top remaining players in the college basketball transfer portal and Watkins is at the top of the list.

The Wildcats opted to sign reigning national champion and former Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen, who has been comfortable in a sixth man-type role, so it’s not out of the question to bring in a bonafide scorer like Watkins. Kentucky recently pulled out of the running for another high-profile wing in Desmond Claude, so it seems like Mark Pope has his eyes on another potential target. Boogie Fland has been linked to Kentucky as well but Watkins would be a much better fit.

While Kentucky already has 13 players on scholarship, the impending House settlement could open up additional roster spots in Lexington and the Wildcats would likely use their resources to attract at least one, if not two more high-profile scholarship players.

Texas A&M Could Be Surprise Destination

Watkins would thrive in an uptempo offense and a trip to College Station might be just what the doctor ordered to elevate his NBA Draft stock.

The Aggies already signed former five-star recruit Mackenzie Mgbako and former Kansas big man Zach Clemence but there’s still a huge gap on the wing for a scorer of Watkins’ caliber. The Aggies have been linked to former Oklahoma Sooners guard Duke Miles but don’t rule out Texas A&M as a potential landing spot for at least one more high-profile g.

Watkins would fit the bill and at a time when most programs don’t have a lot of NIL budget left over, Texas A&M may be best positioned to swoop in with a can’t-miss offer, similar to how USC made a late push for former Maryland guard Rodney Rice.

Texas A&M is losing all three of its double-digit scorers from a year ago and the Aggies are facing significant roster turnover after losing head coach Buzz Williams but adding a player like Watkins could be enough to propel the program back into SEC contention.