On the eve of NBA Free Agency, the Portland Trailblazers initiated a buyout agreement with their former starting center that’ll potentially pave the way for him to hit the open market.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Blazers are finalizing the buyout of center Deandre Ayton’s contract, who was entering the final year of his four-year $133 million deal. While the buyout terms are initially unknown, Ayton was scheduled to make $35.5 million this upcoming season.
The projected transaction is likely due to the Blazers having second-year center Donovan Clingan and eight-year center Robert Williams under contract. The team also recently drafted Chinese center Yang Hansen with its first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, which may also spell the end to Williams’ Portland tenure sooner rather than later as well.
Ayton will have to clear waivers first before officially becoming a free agent on Wednesday . If he does, he’ll likely be the marquee name at the center position in a class that’s devoid of young talent at the age of 26.
Ayton spent his first five seasons in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, averaging a double-double during that span before being traded to the Blazers during the 2023 offseason. He played just 95 out of 164 games across two seasons with Portland and finished this past season with career-lows in points per game (14.4), rebounds per game (10.2), and free-throw percentage (66.7).
Across his seven-year career, Ayton averaged 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game on a 59% field goal percentage. He has been much maligned throughout his NBA tenure for his motor and underperformance as a former top selection from the 2018 NBA Draft. That draft featured the likes of League and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-NBA Guard Luka Doncic, and All-Star Guard Trae Young.
Below are some teams that could prioritize his services, whether on the waiver wire or the free agent market.
Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 12: Deandre Ayton #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots the ... More ball over Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on November 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)Getty Images
The Lakers have been vocal about adding a starting-caliber center to their roster, and that need has only been magnified since LeBron James opted into the final year of his deal to contend for a title.
Ayton presents portability alongside James and Luka Doncic as a viable lob threat around the basket and a pick-and-pop weapon. He’ll have little resistance when it comes to annual minutes and could use the franchise as an optimal launching pad for a breakthrough season to fast-track a potential long-term deal.
Charlotte Hornets
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 25: Deandre Ayton #2 (L) of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots under ... More pressure from Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Moda Center on February 25, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)Getty Images
Charlotte traded away their starting and backup center from a season ago in the past few days to bring on additional shooting and perimeter scoring to build around point guard LaMelo Ball. With that being the case, second-round rookie seven-footer Ryan Kalkbreener is the only remaining center on the roster.
Taking a low-risk, high-reward flyer on Ayton would be ideal for a Hornets franchise that seems ready to make a genuine postseason push after consecutive years of rebuilding. He presents abilities as a floor runner and paint threat that can fully maximize a Hornets’ offense that’s looking for a center to thrive in his role as a rim-protecting five-man in a four-out offense.
Golden State Warriors
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 23: Deandre Ayton #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers fights to ... More take control of the ball away from Stephen Curry #30 and Trayce Jackson-Davis #32 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on December 23, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)Getty Images
The Warriors have been vocal about ensuring Draymond Green never plays the center position again full-time as a member of the team. With the squad reportedly letting Kevon Looney test free agency, they will only have second-year center Quentin Post as its lone big man after exercising his franchise tender.
Ayton’s upside in the Warriors’ motion offense is immense. He’ll have more room to operate inside with Steph Curry on the floor along with easier rim opportunities around the basket with Green feeding him entry passes and high-low lob touches.
The defensive and motor issues are a concern and will require Golden State to work through them during Ayton’s highs and lows. From a maximization standpoint though, it may be the veteran big man’s best situation to have an impactful contract year.