Arizona forward Carter Bryant and guard Jaden Bradley have officially entered the NBA Draft as expected.

Neither player made an announcement but UA coach Tommy Lloyd said earlier this month that both were likely to test the draft, while both have signed revenue-share agreements for Arizona if they return to college basketball.

As a projected mid-first round pick, Bryant is much more likely to leave the Wildcats. Players picked in the middle of the first round will receive guaranteed two-year contracts worth $7-10 million, while Bryant is expected to receive a low seven-figure amount if he returns to Arizona.

“He’s gonna test the NBA Draft, and he’s going to make the best decision for himself,” Lloyd said.

Bryant wound up averaging just the seventh-most minutes (19.3) on the Arizona roster last season, while averaging 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds, but still attracted considerable NBA attention because of his versatility, potential and a 6-8 frame that is prototypical for an NBA wing player.

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Bradley was Arizona’s second-leading scorer (12.1 points) while leading the Wildcats in assists (3.7) and minutes (34.1) but is not projected to be drafted.

Bradley also entered the draft under similarly quiet terms last spring. He did not announce he was testing the draft but his name appeared on the NBA’s list and he withdrew to return to Arizona in 2024-25 as a junior.

Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) celebrates with forward Carter Bryant (9) and Jaden Bradley (0) during the second half of the game at Desert Financial Arena, Feb. 1, 2025.

Grace Trejo,

Arizona Daily Star

Bradley is expected to start again at point guard in 2025-26 while the Wildcats may have to find a replacement for Bryant if he leaves. Players have until May 28 to withdraw from the draft if they want to return to college basketball. 

The NBA announced 106 players have declared to enter the draft early, continuing a downward trend that is likely related to the increased compensation players can be paid in college. The league said 195 players declared last year and 242 declared in 2023.

The NBA’s official early entry list is attached below as a PDF file.

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