Why did Auburn basketball and Chad Baker-Mazara split?

In a time where college football players opt out of spring practice due to NIL negotiations, the frontiers that college athletes’ step into become newer by the day.

Auburn basketball is no different. No, there was not a situation like Tennessee football, but they did see a notable player hit the portal and make a splash-landing.

Former Auburn basketball wing Chad Baker-Mazara recently committed to the university of Soutern California after entering his name into the transfer portal.

After the NCAA’s decision to grant all former JUCO prospects another year of eligibility last December, Auburn coach Bruce Pearl was adamant about Chad Baker-Mazara returning for his final year with the Tigers.

“Without any kind of appeal, Chad Baker has another year of eligibility,” Pearl said back in March. “He does because he fits all the criteria. Some of the other guys that have been talked about, I’m not going to specifically reference, but Chad is the one that right now qualifies.”

So, what changed?

Coming off the Tigers Final Four run, Baker-Mazara was one of Auburn’s top players in 2025, finishing second on the team in scoring at 12.3 points per game.

Getting his first start after serving as the sixth man the year prior, a senior sendoff with the Tigers was expected from the fiery forward. However, the Tigers signed UCF transfer Keyshawn Hall during the NCAA tournament who plays the same role Mazara does.

According to multiple reports, Baker-Mazara and Auburn were in discussions of working on a new deal for him to return to Auburn. Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68 reported that Hall’s addition fueled his decision to test the portal.

Looking at how Auburn transitioned from Mazara bringing in JUCO wing Abdul Bashir, former Texas Tech guard Kevin Overton, and former Division II wing Elyjah Freeman.

It raises the question does the term loyalty falls on the players or the university when it comes to NIL?

Baker-Mazara came up from the juco ranks and played for two Division I programs before coming to Auburn. Despite embracing the community and becoming a part of the Auburn family for two years, he was not obligated to stay.

On the Auburn side, we’ve seen the basketball program spend six figures to Tigers standout Johni Broome. Now, is Baker-Mazara worth the same as the two-time All-American? No. However, bringing in more depth and giving Mazara the option to walk away creates room to debate both sides.

Since its arrival in 2022, NIL has changed the college landscape for better and worse.

Only 106 players entered the 2025 NBA Draft, the lowest number of early entrants since 2015. In the recent NCAA men’s basketball transfer portal period, over 2,000 players entered their names.

Fresh off a national championship victory, Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen transferred to conference rival Kentucky for a chance at a bigger role.

Florida coach Todd Golden gave his thoughts on losing Aberdeen but quickly shifted his focus on what’s next for the Gators.

“Losing Denzel Aberdeen was tough, but we wish him nothing but the best,” Golden said to the Field of 68. “I’m pretty confident we can find somebody to take that spot. The Gators are going to have a really good group again next year.”

So, whether Mazara tested the portal for financial reasons or Auburn not seeing the value of a player who can sometimes bring controversy to the court. The world of NIL is ultimately a business.

And in certain business deals no loyalty is required.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3 or email him at JHumphreyIII@al.com.