Image Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Deandre Ayton Finalizing Contract Buyout From Trail Blazers, Set to Enter Free Agency

Deandre Ayton is reportedly finalizing a buyout with the franchise.

Image Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Portland Trail Blazers’ Deandre Ayton is reportedly finalizing a buyout with the franchise. As per ESPN’s Shams Charania, he will enter free agency if he clears waivers. According to it, the Trail Blazers will pay Ayton a part of the $35.5 million he is owed next season for him to leave the team early. In case, no team claims him by Wednesday, Ayton would become free agent.

Notably, the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft is coming off the poorest season of his career, tying him to a career low with 14.4 points per game while playing 40 games for Portland. He recorded an average of 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game this past season. He was shooting 55.6% from the field and 59.4% from the free-throw line in 30.2 minutes of action.

The 26-year-old has been a part of Portland since his trade in 2023 alongside Toumani Amara, a draft pick and others.

Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/DNYcNqRvkW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

What is the Way Going Ahead for Deandre Ayton and the Portland Trail Blazers?

If Ayton enters free agency, it would serve as a fresh opportunity for the big and his franchise. The Trail Blazers have second-year center Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III under contract. In addition, they used the 16th pick of the NBA Draft 2025 to sign Chinese Center Yang Hansen. If Ayton enters free agency as one of the top free agents in a class lacking top names. The NBA teams will be able to start negotiating with free agents from Monday.

The former Arizona star would be a top target for the teams who are in need of a center. Teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, who lacked a big man in their recent playoffs loss to Minnesota might be one name. Not only this, but another name that could target him would be the Charlotte Hornets, who recently traded their players including Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic.

Deandre Ayton

Portland Trail Blazers

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.