It probably wasn’t his intention, but Rick Barnes got Tennessee Vols fans very excited with a quote he dropped on Thursday.

Barnes met with reporters on Thursday to discuss the 2026 NBA Draft (UT had three players selected) and the Vols’ offseason progress so far.

At one point during the media session, Barnes was asked if Tennessee is still looking to add another player to the roster.

Barnes confirmed that Tennessee has a spot open and would be open to adding another player if they find the right fit.

“We have a spot available,” said Barnes. “And if we find the right guy, we can do that.”

Who could the Vols add?

Barnes’ comments don’t necessarily mean that Tennessee will for sure add another player, but they’re at least open to it if a player who fits the roster becomes available.

Michigan’s roster will be eligible to enter the portal when a new coach is announced as a replacement for Dusty May, who left Ann Arbor to become the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

Some fans have wondered if former Vol JP Estrella, who transferred to Michigan in April, could be an option to return to Tennessee. That move would be possible, though it feels unlikely.

A more interesting option would be Moustapha Thiam, a 7-foot-2 center who transferred from Cincinnati to Michigan this offseason.

Thiam averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks as a sophomore last season.

Tennessee showed interest in Thiam before he landed with Michigan.

We’re in unprecedented times, so it’s hard to speculate on what may happen with Michigan’s roster. But if Thiam decides he doesn’t want to play for Michigan with May gone, he could be an interesting target for Barnes and the Vols.