Deandre Ayton Nears Trail Blazers Exit, Eyes Free Agency

Summary:

• Reports say Deandre Ayton is in the process of completing a buyout with Portland.
• The 26-year-old Bahamian, who is in his final year of a $133 million contract, will become a free agent.
• The hunt for him is expected to include big teams like the Lakers and the Hornets.

Portland big man Deandre Ayton is reportedly on his way out, as he and the Trail Blazers are working toward a contract buyout, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. If everything falls into place and Ayton gets through waivers, he’ll officially be a free agent starting Wednesday.

At 26 years old, Ayton is set to earn $35.5 million next NBA season, his final year on the four-year, $133 million contract he signed with the Suns back in 2021.

Specifics around the buyout amount haven’t been made public.

With Portland leaning into its youth movement, the writing seemed to be on the wall for Ayton. The Blazers already have second-year center Donovan Clingan, veteran Robert Williams III, and newly drafted 7-footer Yang Hansen out of China, who was selected 16th overall last week.

The frontcourt is crowded, and Ayton no longer fits the long-term plan.

Negotiations Are in the Books

If he clears waivers, Ayton will instantly become one of the more intriguing names available in a relatively thin free agent class. Starting Monday, teams can officially begin talks with free agents, and AYton’s name is expected to pop up on a few important lists.

The Bahamian born in Nassau was the first pick in the 2018 draft, the same class that included iconic names like Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Trae Young. However, unlike them, Ayton hasn’t quite reached that superstar level just yet.

He is still to become an All-Star, and the NBA’s move preference for big guys who are able to shoot threes and space the floor hasn’t done much to help him fit in perfectly. Nonetheless, he still has a lot to bring to the table.

Ayton is solid around the basket, scoring reliably inside and grabbing rebounds like a pro. Over seven seasons, he’s averaged about 16 points and 10 rebounds a game, and he shoots really well near the rim, nearly 60% from the field.

As for three-pointers, he only hit a handful of those over a hundred attempts. However, if a team truly wants size and someone who can control the paint, he would make for a solid option.

The Lakers, for example, were exposed in the paint during their brief playoff run this past season and could use a defensive anchor inside.

Charlotte, after moving on from Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic, also appears to have a hole to fill at center. Ayton’s next move will be one of the more closely watched decisions as free agency heats up.