Deandre Ayton's $132.9M journey hits a wall as Portland Trail Blazers move toward a stunning buyout decision
Deandre Ayton is on the brink of a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. The center has been one of the favorites and superstars at Arizona and his current statistics are dwindling.
Having $35.5 million remaining on his contract and younger players performing at a greater rate, the Blazers seem to be willing to start a new course. This ruling might accord Ayton an opportunity to start afresh at other fronts in the league.
Deandre Ayton's steady NBA production faces a turning point in Portland
In 2018, Deandre Ayton was picked in the first round by Jacksonville Suns as a number one pick. He was a three member of the trade sent to Portland in the high profile Damian Lillard deal in September 2023.
Ayton received Pac-12 Player of the Year for the year 2017-18 at Arizona with an average of 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds. His move to the NBA has been characterized by regular performance with an average of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds in seven seasons of his career.
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Last season, Ayton played in only 40 games, averaging 30.2 minutes, 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists with a shooting percentage of 56.6%. This marked a clear decline from his usual performance and efficiency.
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At the same time, Buffalo's frontcourt dynamics have changed: rookie Donovan Clingan took the court as a starter for 37 games, and they also drafted another young big man, Yang Hansen. All of this happened while Ayton's hefty contract—$35.5 million for the last year of his four-year, $132.9 million deal—became harder to manage.
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Golden State Warriors move fast in free agency and target Herb Jones and Nickeil Alexander-Walker for help
Since there weren't any exciting trade deals, Portland has decided to take the most sensible route which was a buyout.
As reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, Ayton is in the process of "finalizing a contract buyout" and will become an unrestricted free agent after being waived. This decision opens up space for Clingan, Hansen, and players like Robert Williams III and Duop Reath, while also allowing Ayton to choose his next destination — potentially a contender with some salary cap flexibility.
Now standing on the verge of a significant buyout, his next steps are still to be determined: a smart risk on his end, a relief for Portland's budget, and a crucial moment for both parties. Will Ayton find a new opportunity or quietly fade into the background? Either way, Portland's choice represents a bold change.
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