The Portland Trail Blazers and center Deandre Ayton have agreed to a contract buyout that will make the former No. 1 overall pick an unrestricted free agent, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The move comes just days before NBA free agency officially opens on July 6.
The buyout allows Ayton to immediately enter a thin free agent center market despite having $35.6 million remaining on his expiring contract. Unlike typical waiver restrictions, Ayton can sign with any team, including those operating above the salary cap's tax aprons, because the collective bargaining agreement's limitations only apply during the regular season.
Portland's decision reflects their commitment to developing recently drafted big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, selected in the first rounds of 2024 and 2025 respectively12. The franchise also retains Robert Williams III and Duop Reath under contract, creating a crowded frontcourt that no longer required Ayton's services2.
The buyout represents a financial sacrifice for Portland, which will absorb a substantial portion of Ayton's salary after failing to generate trade interest from other teams1. "It is telling that the Blazers could not get any interest from other teams for a trade and are instead opting to eat a good chunk of his contract," noted one report1.
Ayton's Portland tenure was marked by inconsistency and injuries. He appeared in just 95 games over two seasons1, averaging 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season while shooting 56.6% from the field in 40 contests23. His scoring and rebounding averages both represented career lows4.
The 26-year-old center joins a free agent market that includes Myles Turner, Brook Lopez, Clint Capela and Al Horford4. The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as a frequently mentioned destination, particularly after their need for frontcourt depth54.
One potential suitor has already been ruled out. The Phoenix Suns, where Ayton spent his first five NBA seasons and reached the 2021 Finals, have "zero interest in a potential reunion," according to PHNX Sports' Gerald Bourguet12. Phoenix recently acquired Mark Williams and drafted Khaman Maluach, further crowding their center rotation2.
Ayton was originally acquired by Portland in the 2023 three-team blockbuster trade that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee32. The Arizona product's departure marks another chapter in what has been a turbulent career trajectory since his promising Finals run with Phoenix four years ago.
