Sources – Blazers’ Ayton to become free agent after buyout

Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources told ESPN.

Ayton, who turns 27 next month, had $35.6 million left on his contract, which was set to expire next summer.

He is now free to sign with any team, including those in both aprons, despite earning greater than $14.1 million. The waiver restriction that would normally prevent a player with Ayton’s contract from signing with a team in the second apron only only applies during the regular season, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

The move helps Portland clear up a crowded center room that includes the No. 16 pick in last week’s draft Yang Hansen as well as Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick in last year’s draft. They also have Robert Williams III and Duop Reath under contract.

Ayton’s time in Portland ends two years after the Blazers acquired him from the Phoenix Suns. He averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 56.6% from field last season.

A former No. 1 pick who helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021, Ayton is the first player to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first seven NBA seasons since Dwight Howard.

He only played 40 games for Portland last season, the second-fewest of his career and has only appeared in 95 out of a possible 164 games over the last two seasons.

Source: espn.com