The Portland Trail Blazers are finalizing a contract buyout with center Deandre Ayton, ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported.
This gives Ayton, a former No. 1 overall pick who went to the NBA Finals with the Suns, the chance to receive a fresh opportunity as the Trail Blazers build around their depth of young centers.
Ayton, 26, had one year and $35.6 remaining on his contract with the Trail Blazers. He was set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer, but now he’ll head to the free agency market a year early.
During the past two seasons in Portland, the 7-foot center averaged 15.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.9 blocks per game through 95 appearances.