Michigan open to adding a ball handler after LJ Cason’s transfer decision

Michigan has done an impressive job keeping its 2026-27 roster together after Dusty May’s departure for the NBA, with 13 of 14 players announcing their intentions to stay and play for Mike Boynton Jr. rather than enter the transfer portal.

The portal window for Michigan players will officially close at the end of this month, but one player who is already in the portal is reserve guard LJ Cason. Cason had a breakout sophomore season that was cut short when he tore his ACL at Illinois.

He underwent surgery in April and was expected to play a role in the second half of the 2026-27 season depending on his rehabilitation. With his decision to enter the portal, the Wolverines have some extra room on the roster.

Boynton didn’t rule out the possibility of replacing Cason with another player when giving one of his first extended interviews on Defend the Block.

“Ten years ago it probably wasn’t an option,” Boynton said. “It’s mid-July. There are a lot of different factors that go into adding somebody to your roster and people being available also. But we’re in a different climate.”