In a significant development shaking up the early NBA offseason landscape, center Deandre <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/06/30/lakers-implored-to-sign-former-no-1-pick-amid-shocking-buyout/” title=”Breaking: Lakers Linked to Former #1 Pick Buyout”>ayton has finalized a contract buyout agreement with the portland Trail Blazers. This move was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and subsequently confirmed by the team, instantly making the former No. 1 overall pick an unrestricted free agent. The timing of this announcement comes as teams prepare for the official start of free agency, positioning Ayton as an unexpected yet notable player available on the market.
Ayton, who will turn 27 next month, was set to enter the final year of a four-year contract originally signed with the Phoenix Suns. That deal had $35.5 million remaining for the upcoming season. Sources indicate that both Ayton and his representatives approached the Blazers seeking a buyout. This decision was reportedly driven, in part, by Ayton’s desire to transition to a team in a more competitive, winning situation.
Ayton’s Tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers acquired Deandre Ayton in September 2023. He was a central piece in the complex three-team trade that ultimately sent superstar Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. In that deal, Portland received Ayton, Toumani Camara, and a future first-round draft pick, while the Phoenix Suns landed Jusuf Nurkic and other assets.
During his two seasons in Portland, Ayton’s performance offered a mix of statistical production and noted inconsistency. His raw numbers remained solid; he averaged 16.1 points and 11.1 rebounds in his first season with the team, followed by 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season. He shot an efficient 56.6% from the field in the most recent campaign. There were moments where Ayton showcased the high-level talent associated with a top pick, including a strong stretch late last season where he averaged 19.4 points and 11.8 rebounds before a calf injury ended his year prematurely.
However, reports throughout his time in Portland highlighted struggles with consistency. These included observed defensive lapses, a lack of attention to detail, and occasional attitude problems. His playing time was also limited by injuries; he appeared in just 40 games this past season, tying a career low, and played in only 95 out of a possible 164 games over the last two years. Despite his statistical contributions, Ayton reportedly never fully found his rhythm or established himself as the long-term anchor the Blazers initially hoped for.
Why the Buyout Made Sense for Both Sides
The decision to pursue a Deandre Ayton buyout wasn’t made in a vacuum. It follows the Trail Blazers’ inability to find a suitable trade partner for Ayton, who carried a substantial $35.5 million expiring contract. According to reports, a major hurdle in trade talks was Portland’s reluctance to take back multi-year contracts in exchange for Ayton, making salary matching challenging for interested teams.
Furthermore, the Trail Blazers have significantly invested in the center position through the draft recently. Their roster now includes Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft, and Yang Hansen, the No. 16 pick in last week’s draft. These young prospects join veteran Robert Williams III and Duop Reath. With five centers potentially on the roster, the team determined that Ayton was not part of their core building around recent lottery picks like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. The buyout effectively clears Ayton from a crowded frontcourt, aligning with Portland’s strategic shift towards youth and draft-based development.
For Ayton, the buyout offers immediate freedom to choose his next destination. While the exact financial terms were not disclosed, he forfeits a portion of his guaranteed salary but gains the flexibility to join a team where he might have a clearer role and a chance to compete for a championship, a stated goal according to sources.
How Ayton Becomes a Free Agent Without Waiver Restrictions
A common question arises regarding players with large contracts getting bought out. Normally, a player earning above a certain threshold ($14.1 million in this case) cannot sign with a team operating over the second salary cap apron if they are claimed off waivers during the regular season. However, ESPN’s Bobby Marks clarified a key distinction: this restriction specifically applies only during the regular season. Since Ayton’s buyout is finalized before the start of the next regular season, he is free to sign with any team, regardless of their salary cap situation or apron status. This significantly broadens his potential landing spots in free agency.
What’s Next for Deandre Ayton?
Now an unrestricted free agent, Deandre Ayton enters a market described by some as relatively thin on high-profile names following recent player re-signings. Despite coming off a challenging, injury-affected season in Portland, his combination of size, athleticism, and proven ability to average a double-double consistently makes him an attractive option for teams needing frontcourt help.
Ayton’s career statistics paint a picture of a productive big man. He is notably the first player since Dwight Howard (whose career began in 2004-05) to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first seven NBA seasons. He is also one of only four active players to achieve a double-double average over the past seven years, alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert, and Nikola Vucevic. Furthermore, StatMuse highlights his impressive playoff statistics, including being the only player in NBA history with 15+ points and 60%+ field goal shooting in the postseason.
Several teams are expected to express interest. Among those frequently mentioned as potential suitors are the Los Angeles Lakers, who could use a defensive anchor and post presence, the Golden State Warriors, the Boston Celtics, and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Charlotte Hornets have also been noted as a team potentially in the market for a center after recent roster changes. While Ayton was a key player on the Suns team that reached the 2021 NBA Finals, his inconsistent perception around the league, compounded by his struggles to establish himself in Portland, suggests he may command a significantly lower salary than his previous max contract. One potential reunion that sources have explicitly ruled out is a return to the Phoenix Suns, who reportedly have “zero interest.”
Impact on the Trail Blazers Moving Forward
The buyout of Deandre Ayton follows another major roster adjustment by the Portland Trail Blazers, who recently traded guard Anfernee Simons to the Boston Celtics for Jrue Holiday. These two moves mean the Blazers have now parted ways with both their leading scorer (Simons) and leading rebounder (Ayton) from the previous season.
Financially, while the buyout involves a significant cap hit for Portland in the current season, it also provides them with increased flexibility. It’s anticipated that the move could give the Blazers sufficient cap room to potentially utilize the full non-taxpayer midlevel exception, valued at $14.1 million, without triggering the luxury tax penalties. This allows them to add a veteran contributor in free agency.
Strategically, the Blazers solidify their commitment to building around their young core, with the center position now firmly in the hands of recent high draft picks. Donovan Clingan is expected to potentially step into a significant role, providing double-digit rebounds and improved defense compared to Ayton. Yang Hansen could also see immediate opportunities. Robert Williams III remains a potential backup center, though his availability has been limited by injuries. The projected starting lineup now reflects this youth movement and the acquisition of Holiday.
Deandre Ayton’s Place in NBA History
Drafted No. 1 overall in 2018 out of the University of Arizona, where he earned numerous accolades like Consensus first-team All-American and Pac-12 Player of the Year, Ayton was seen as a foundational piece. His draft class produced multiple stars including Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Trae Young. While Ayton hasn’t reached the All-Star status of some of his peers, his consistent double-double averages underscore his undeniable physical talent and effectiveness as a traditional center.
His time in Phoenix saw him play a crucial role, particularly during the 2021 NBA Finals run. However, questions about his motor and engagement persisted, culminating in the Suns matching his max offer sheet from Indiana only to trade him two seasons later. His subsequent tenure in Portland continued to raise questions about his overall impact relative to his draft position and contract value. The buyout marks a pivotal moment, offering Ayton a chance for a fresh start and potentially a clearer path to maximizing his contributions on a new team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Deandre Ayton get bought out by the Blazers?
The buyout occurred after the Portland Trail Blazers were reportedly unable to find a trade partner for Ayton, who was owed $35.5 million. The team also had a crowded center position after drafting Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen. Ayton also reportedly wanted to move to a more competitive team.
Which NBA teams might sign Deandre Ayton now?
As a free agent, Ayton is expected to draw interest from teams needing a center. Potential suitors mentioned in reports include the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Charlotte Hornets. His ability to sign with any team regardless of cap apron due to the timing of the buyout broadens his options.
How does Deandre Ayton becoming a free agent impact the Blazers’ roster?
The buyout clears Ayton’s significant salary from the Blazers’ books, providing potential cap flexibility, possibly allowing them to use the full non-taxpayer midlevel exception. It also reduces their crowded center rotation, paving the way for recent draft picks Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen to potentially play larger roles alongside Robert Williams III and Duop Reath, aligning with Portland’s youth movement strategy.
Conclusion
Deandre Ayton’s buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers is a significant event that shifts the NBA free agency landscape. For Portland, it underscores their pivot towards a youth movement centered around recent draft picks like Donovan Clingan and aligns with other recent roster changes like the Jrue Holiday trade. For Ayton, it represents an opportunity for a fresh start on a new team, free to pursue a role where he can leverage his unique talents. While questions about his consistency persist, his proven statistical production and playoff experience make him a compelling, albeit complex, target for numerous teams looking to bolster their frontcourt ahead of the next season. His next destination will be a key storyline to watch as free agency unfolds.
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