Auburn Basketball Transfer Portal: Pettiford, Freeman Among Players Who Could Enter

Auburn basketball is about to enter a new era following the retirement of longtime head coach Bruce Pearl. Just 42 days before the season, Pearl’s shocking announcement came as a surprise to players and fans. Pearl’s son Steve Pearl was announced as his successor and instantly received a five-year deal to become the Tigers next head coach. 

The decision comes just six weeks before the start of the college basketball season and opens a 30-day transfer portal window for players to find new homes. But, with most teams already beginning to practice and roster spots at major programs already filled, it’s unlikely that most players will elect to leave. There are a few players, however, who have enough incentive to play elsewhere. 

Below, we’ll break down the players who could leave Auburn following Pearl’s retirement.

Tahaad Pettiford

Pettiford was one of the top recruits in the country a season ago and played a major role in Auburn’s Final Four run. During March Madness, Pettiford stepped up his game, averaging 15.2 points and 3.6 assists per game while scoring 20-plus in back-to-back games versus Creighton and Michigan. 

A projected second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Pettiford decided to return to school but would instantly become a hot commodity if he were to hit the portal. 

The market for point guards was thin during the offseason with players like Rob Wright III ($3 million) and Xavian Lee ($6 million) receiving huge NIL deals.

That’s likely more money than Pettiford would earn in his first NBA season had he been drafted.

Elyjah Freeman

The reigning Division II Player of the Year, Elyjah Freeman was one of the most sought after players in the transfer portal after averaging 18.9 points per game last season. 

Freeman is a high-volume three-level scorer, who shot 58.7% from the floor, 45.6% from 3-point range and 80.7% from the free-throw line in his only D-II campaign. Auburn beat out the likes of Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee for his services but Freeman was one of the few players who posted their reaction to Pearl’s retirement. 

Highly touted Auburn transfer Elyjah Freeman reacts to Bruce Pearl’s shocking retirement: pic.twitter.com/ORHMCuutuQ

— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) September 22, 2025

Understandably heartbroken, it wouldn’t be a surprise for Freeman to put his name back in the transfer portal as he looks for the best situation to display his talent for NBA scouts.

Kaden Magwood

The No. 40 player in the ESPN 100 recruiting rankings, Kaden Magwood was brought in to be the heir apparent to Pettiford, who tested NBA Draft waters in the offseason only to return to school. If Pettiford decides to leave, Magwood would instantly be thrust into a significant role as arguably the best ball-handler on the roster. However, if Pettiford decides to play this season, Magwood’s playing time would likely be limited to a bench role, opening up the possibility for him to transfer. Not only would it give him a fresh start, but it would ensure that he is in control of his destiny and playing for a top-tier coach at a blue blood program.