so the difference between $3 million and $5 million is not a big deal. He wants to get paid but he wants to go where he wants to be first. Why go somewhere you aren't as conformable just for a few more dollars? If AJ is as good as advertised, he will be the overall number one pick and will sign a rookie scale contract that will be in the neighborhood of 3 years and $40 million. He'll also have deals with Nike and others that should exceed his basketball contract. If he plays as good as advertised during his first contract, he'll then be eligible for a second contract that could pay him upwards of $200 million over 4-5 years.
AJ is on his way to being a billionaire. $2 million less for his one year of college is not de-railing that. It's like Zuckerberg settling the lawsuits against him by the fraternity boys for $50 million. Who cares if you might soon be the richest man on earth.