Sources familiar with the situation tell KSR that this is the second consecutive offseason Chandler considered a move back home to Utah, but with a steep asking price to justify leaving a familiar situation with loyalty to Pope. In year one, coming off a season averaging 2.7 PPG in 10.4 MPG, a $2M offer by either BYU or Utah was the target to get the Farmington native to pull the trigger. That wasn't met, keeping him in Lexington. In year two, armed with a massive jump in production and 73 made 3-pointers, the cost jumped all the way to $3.2M, sources say.
There was serious skepticism that either BYU or Utah would be willing to commit that kind of money, the former due to overspending this past season with only a No. 6 seed and first-round exit to show for it, and the latter due to cap value questions coming off a 10-22 season and 2-16 finish in the Big 12. Pope made Chandler a top priority in terms of both role and financial investment, and with a strong mutual belief in each other at Kentucky, the ongoing expectation was that they would run it back together for a third season in Lexington.
All roster management discussions started with Chandler and Malachi Moreno, then everybody else with that in mind.
When that otherworldly asking price was met, however, as the Wildcats have done all offseason -- leading to the departures of the likes of Jaland Lowe, Mo Dioubate and Brandon Garrison -- they prioritized value over jumping into a bidding war over emotions for a player they've shared a deep connection with since 2021. That's easier said than done, but showed just how serious they are about righting the wrongs made last spring.
Chandler wasn't hellbent on leaving Kentucky and thoroughly enjoyed playing for Pope -- to the point sources familiar with the situation admitted they'd be stunned if he actually did it -- but there was always a pull home as a newly married man with family and loved ones all back in Utah. If not now, later.
Thanks to an unlikely Hail Mary throw -- rumored to be tossed by the folks in Provo -- the decision was made much easier for the Chandlers.
Now, a massive hole is left at the starting two position for Pope and the Wildcats. Fortunately, though, some cap space has been cleared out, too.
https://www.on3.com/sites/kentucky-wildcats/news/behind-the-scenes-of-collin-chandlers-unexpected-decision-to-enter-the-portal/
