Deandre Ayton Becomes Free Agent After Agreement with the Trail Blazers
Center Deandre Ayton is about to finalize a contract buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers, which will make him a free agent. This news has generated great expectation in the basketball world. Ayton, who will turn 27 next month, had 35.6 million dollars pending from his contract, which expired in the summer of 2025. Now, the player is free to sign with any team, even those that exceed the salary cap.This decision benefits the Trail Blazers, as it clears a congested center position. The team has Yang Hansen, selected 16th in last week’s draft, as well as Donovan Clingan, the seventh draft pick from last year. In addition, they have Robert Williams III and Duop Reath under contract. Ayton’s time in Portland is coming to an end two years after the Blazers acquired him from the Phoenix Suns. Last season, he averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds, with 56.6% field goal shooting. Ayton, who was the first draft pick and helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021, is the first player to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first seven NBA seasons since Dwight Howard.The waiver restriction that would normally prevent a player with Ayton’s contract from signing with a team in the second salary cap only applies during the regular season.
Bobby Marks
