Flory Bidunga returned to Kansas for the 2025-26 season and became the Jayhawks’ primary big man. The former five-star recruit proved he could dominate the paint, averaging 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game. However, after two seasons with Kansas, Bidunga announced he would enter the transfer portal, stunning fans who had believed he would stay with the team.
The 6’10” forward’s efficient offensive numbers — despite being the third-best scorer behind Tre White and Darryn Peterson — and his impressive defensive stats have made him the top portal prospect. However, a report indicates that his asking price to return to men’s college basketball for another season is more than twice his projected salary for his projected position in the 2026 NBA draft.
Report Reveals Flory Bidunga’s Astronomical Asking Price To Stay In College Basketball
A piece from CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein reported that the Kansas transfer big man is seeking $5 million next season. Bidunga’s asking price is considered astronomical, given that experts project him to be a late first-round pick in the NBA draft this June.
According to CBS Sports’ Big Board for the NBA draft, Bidunga is projected to be the No. 29 overall pick. If he is selected between Nos. 26 and 30, the Kansas forward is set to earn at least $2.3 million.
Bidunga’s asking price is still more than twice the annual salary of a 25th overall pick, about $2.49 million. By comparison, a prospect drafted No. 20 overall is projected to earn $3.05 million, while a 15th pick is projected to receive a $3.88 million annual deal in his first season.
The report further stated that, for Bidunga to earn an amount equivalent to his transfer portal asking price in the NBA as a rookie, he needs to be selected in the top 10.
RELATED: College Basketball 2026 Transfer Portal Tracker
Bidunga could be worth spending at least $5 million. Still, uncertainty about whether he will help his new team in its quest for the national championship or fail miserably with a new program would creep into the hype surrounding him.
The forward will now be under the microscope beginning this coming season, once he returns to college with that kind of NIL amount. A lot of production will be expected of him moving forward.
Returning to the NCAA after signing a lucrative NIL deal could make him an automatic target for fellow players who agreed to lesser deals to either win a national title or gain extra experience while preparing for the professional ranks.
But above all, Bidunga’s play would be worth watching because he will set the standard for big men seeking big contracts moving forward.
