On Friday, NBA superstar LeBron James announced his next stop. Arguably the best player in league history, James, now 41 years old, signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a reported two-year, eight-million-dollar deal.
During this upcoming 2026-27 season, James will be compensated $3,876,529. Many quickly not only pointed out the pay cut he’s taking, but how it compares to players across the college level. In the case of Tennessee basketball, the Vols even have a player who is reportedly set to make more.
According to On3, Wake Forest transfer Juke Harris will make $4 million this year with the Vols. Though not by much, that places him ahead of James.
NEW: Kentucky’s Milan Momcilovic’s 2026-27 contract earnings are higher than LeBron James’ 76ers deal💰https://t.co/Bw2faGY2lG pic.twitter.com/hgfdJg0XoC
Advertisement— On3 (@On3) July 24, 2026
More From RTI: What Juke Harris Said In First Tennessee Basketball Press Conference
Harris is projected to be the top scoring option for Tennessee this upcoming season. He is coming off a strong sophomore season in which he averaged 21.4 points on 44.4% shooting from the field and 33.3% shooting from three-point range at Wake Forest. The Salisbury, North Carolina, native made 87 three-pointers during the 2025-26 season.
“I’ve seen it (improve) tremendously,” Harris said about his game this summer. “Definitely on the defensive end and playing more into the ball, getting off different type of ball screens, getting through them. So I really seen a lot of improvement on the defensive end.”
Harris is one of a number of high-upside guards Tennessee brought in through the portal, as well. Other names to know include VCU’s Terrence Hill Jr., Cal’s Dai Dai Ames and Belmont’s Tyler Lundblade. Other portal additions include Notre Dame wing Jalen Haralson, Kennesaw State forward Braedan Lue, VCU forward Christian Fermin and Loyola (Chicago) forward Miles Rubin.
UT also brings in four freshmen, wing Chris Washington, wing Manny Green, wing Ralph Scott and guard Marquis Clark. It returns forward DeWayne Brown II and guard Troy Henderson.
