Michigan's hopes of repeating take a big hit if Morez Johnson leaves for NBA draft

There has been an assumption among Michigan basketball fans that Morez Johnson was the most likely NBA-ready player to return to the Wolverines next season.

Yet, according to a new report from Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press, who cited sources familiar with the situation, Johnson is likely leaving Michigan for the NBA draft.

"Gathered some intel on Morez Johnson Jr. today. The long and the short is he will be compensated like a late first-round pick if he returns. That remains possible," Garcia posted on X. "Still, the expectation internally is more likely than not, he’s NBA-bound."

What Morez Johnson departure would mean for Michigan basketball

It's not surprising that Johnson would make about the same as a first-round pick if he played for the Michigan basketball team again. That was sort of the deal with Yaxel Lendeborg.

There was always a sense that Johnson might be the most willing to come back. But when a player is expected to be a first-round pick, it can be hard to convince them to return.

If Johnson left, along with Aday Mara, who is also expected to enter the NBA draft, Michigan would be down four starters and two key players off the bench. Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney would be the only players back from the top eight last season.

J.P. Estrella is one starting option. Michigan has hosted others who could fill starting roles in Juke Harris, a 6-foot-7 wing, and 7-foot-2 Moustapha Thiam.

If Johnson does leave for the NBA draft, Michigan's title hopes will take a hit. Dusty May will need to land two more starting-caliber players in the portal, plus get some positive minutes from a guy like redshirt sophomore Oscar Goodman, as well as an elite freshman class that features three top-50 prospects, and another potential five-star recruit.

Cadeau and McKenney are a great starting point, but losing Johnson would make the reload a little more drastic.

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