Wed Jul 02 21:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Deandre Ayton Agrees to Buyout with Trail Blazers, Hits Free Agency**

**Portland, OR** – Deandre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick, is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, according to sources at ESPN. The move allows Ayton to become an unrestricted free agent, giving him the opportunity to sign with any team seeking a skilled center.

Ayton, who turns 27 next month, had $35.6 million remaining on his contract with Portland, set to expire next summer. Sources indicate that Ayton and his representatives initiated discussions with the Blazers, expressing his desire to play in a more competitive environment.

Despite his lucrative contract, Ayton is free to sign with any team, even those operating under strict salary cap restrictions. ESPN’s Bobby Marks reports that the waiver rules typically preventing players with contracts exceeding $14.1 million from signing with “second apron” teams only apply during the regular season.

The buyout provides the Trail Blazers with increased roster flexibility in their frontcourt. With young centers Yang Hansen, the No. 16 pick in this year’s draft, and Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick from last year’s draft, the buyout also give them more room to develop. Portland still has Robert Williams III and Duop Reath under contract.

Portland acquired Ayton in September 2023 as part of the three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. In his lone season with the Blazers, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds, shooting 56.6% from the field.

Ayton helped lead the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021. He is among an elite group of NBA players, being the first to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first seven seasons since Dwight Howard, and joining players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert, and Nikola Vucevic.

Ayton was named to the 2018-19 All-Rookie Team. While his talent is undeniable, there were concerns about his consistency during his time with the Suns.

Ayton played only 40 games for Portland this past season.

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