Deandre Ayton Finalizes Buyout with Blazers, Becomes Free Agent

In a significant move in the NBA landscape, Deandre Ayton has finalized a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, allowing him to enter free agency. This decision, confirmed by multiple sources including ESPN's Shams Charania on June 30, 2025, comes as Ayton seeks an opportunity to play for a team with championship aspirations. At 27 years old, Ayton had $35.6 million remaining on his contract, which was initially set to expire next summer. Reports indicate that Ayton and his representatives initiated discussions with the Blazers regarding the buyout, motivated by a desire for a more competitive environment.

Ayton's departure from Portland comes just over two years after the franchise acquired him from the Phoenix Suns in a high-profile three-team trade involving superstar Damian Lillard, who was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks. During his time with the Blazers, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 56.6% from the field last season. Despite these statistics, his tenure was marred by injuries, as he played only 40 games last season—the second fewest of his career—and has appeared in just 95 of 164 possible games over the past two seasons.

The buyout clears up a congested center position for Portland, which includes recent draft picks Yang Hansen and Donovan Clingan, as well as veterans Robert Williams III and Duop Reath. According to Bobby Marks from ESPN, Ayton's buyout also allows him the flexibility to sign with any team, including those over the salary cap, a unique opportunity given the league's financial structures. This waiver restriction, typically applicable only during the regular season, does not hinder Ayton's ability to find a new home this offseason.

From a historical perspective, Ayton, the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has established himself as a consistent performer, being the first player to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first seven seasons since Dwight Howard. His performance has placed him in an elite group alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert, and Nikola Vucevic, all of whom have maintained similar averages over their careers.

The implications of Ayton's buyout extend beyond individual performance, as his next destination could shift the balance of power in the league. With teams looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the upcoming season, Ayton's skill set as a versatile center could attract significant interest. Experts believe that Ayton's ability to contribute on both ends of the court, along with his experience in playoff situations, positions him as a valuable asset for contenders seeking to enhance their chances for success.

As free agency unfolds, the basketball community will be closely watching where Ayton lands next, as his choice will not only impact his career but also the dynamics of the teams he considers. The Blazers, meanwhile, will focus on integrating their new draft picks and reshaping their roster in a post-Ayton era, aiming to build a competitive team for the future that can contend in the Western Conference.

In summary, Ayton's buyout marks a pivotal moment in his career and the ongoing evolution of the NBA landscape, highlighting the continuous shifts and strategies that define professional basketball today. The coming weeks will reveal how this decision shapes both Ayton's future and the direction of the Portland Trail Blazers.