Ex-Alabama hooper Aaron Estrada reveals $800,000 NIL offer from Cincinnati to play college basketball for Wes Miller's team
Former Alabama star Aaron Estrada, who went undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft but secured an Exhibit 10 contract with the Detroit Pistons, had an NIL offer to join Cincinnati. He joined the Crimson Tide in 2023 and played for one season.
The six-foot-three guard, in episode 8 of 'The Center City Podcast,' which premiered on June 28 on YouTube, discussed his NIL deals, his time at Alabama, the NBA draft and other aspects of his career, with hosts Brandon Medley and Carlia Corbin.
Medley asked Estrada if he received offers from other schools with higher pay. He replied that Cincinnati offered him more money.
"I ain't going to say how much it was, but it was six figures and how they do it, you probably know.
"They go through a collective, and you basically sign a contract with the collective, and they basically pay you monthly stubs for 12 months. ... My highest offer was $800,000 by Cincinnati," Estrada said. "But I took under 300 to go to Alabama."
Aaron Estrada also mentioned that he didn't care about the money and was looking for a school that would elevate his career.
"I'm saying when I made my decision, I looked at everything not just the money, Estrada added.
"I looked at the team that I'm going to be playing with, like their track record, who this coach got into the NBA like I looked at every aspect, and Alabama was clear."
Aaron Estrada signs for Detroit Pistons
After not getting picked in the NBA draft, Aaron Estrada agreed an Exhibit 10 contract as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Pistons. He gets the opportunity to showcase his skills at the NBA2K25 Summer League to earn a two-way contract.
The Pistons played their first game of the Summer League against the Philadelphia 76ers but lost 94-81 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Estrada came off the bench and scored 12 points. Detroit intends to hold his G League rights if he fails to secure a two-way deal.
Estrada played his fifth year of college basketball with the Crimson Tide last season after moving from Hofstra. He started every game for Alabama, averaging 13.4 points, 5.4 rebounds 4.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
He was a key player in leading Alabama to the Final Four for the first time. Previously Estrada played for Saint Peter's and Oregon.