Deandre Ayton is set to be a free agent. The 26-year-old center and the Portland Trail Blazers have reached a buyout agreement, parting ways after just two seasons together, according to sources.
Ayton still had $35.6 million left on his contract, which would’ve run through next summer. But with Portland in the middle of a roster reset and Ayton reportedly looking for a chance to compete for a title, the two sides agreed to move on. He’ll now be free to sign with any team, even those over the NBA’s salary cap thresholds.
This move also frees up the Blazers’ crowded frontcourt. Portland recently added rookie Yang Hansen in the 2025 NBA Draft and already had Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Duop Reath in the mix.
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Ayton arrived in Portland in the big trade that involved Damian Lillard back in 2023. During his two-year stint, he played in 95 total games. This past season, he played 40 games, and scored 14.4 points per game, and averaged 10.2 rebounds.
A former No. 1 overall pick in 2018, Ayton helped lead the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021. He has career averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds and is one of only four players to average a double-double every season since 2018.
With playoff experience, size, and still plenty of upside, Ayton should have plenty of suitors in free agency. It will be interesting as free agency gets underway, who will take the bite.
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