NBA free agency got off to a fast start on Monday night and while it has slowed down some, there are still many players who could help a contender win a championship next season.
Among those players was former first overall pick Deandre Ayton who became a free agent earlier the week after he and the Portland Trail Blazers agreed on a contract buyout.
James Wiseman
Mar 4, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman (33) against Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) at Phoenix Suns Arena.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With Ayton officially clearing waivers on Wednesday, it was reported that his decision came down to either the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers and he has officially made his decision.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Ayton has agreed to sign with the Lakers and he will earn $34 million next season between Portland and Los Angeles.
This is a massive signing for the Lakers as they address the biggest need on their roster, the center position, as they try to build a contending roster around LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Of course, Ayton was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns and he then spent the first five seasons of his career in Phoenix.
The Suns then traded him to Portland in 2023 where he struggled with injuries over the last two seasons.
Deandre Ayton
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2)
© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Now the 26-year-old will head to Los Angeles where he will become the Lakers’ starting center next season, which is a massive upgrade compared to last season after they traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the Doncic deal.
For Ayton, he is coming off a season in which he averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 56.6% from the field.
While Ayton struggled during his time with the Blazers, the Lakers hope that he will be the missing piece for them as they chase a championship next season.