The Portland Trail Blazers have officially finalized a buyout agreement with center Deandre Ayton, making the 26-year-old a free agent as the NBA free agency period opens on June 30, 2025. The announcement came shortly after midnight on Monday, June 30, marking a significant roster shift for the Blazers amid a whirlwind off-season of moves.
Ayton, who was set to earn $35 million in the final year of a four-year, $132-$133 million contract originally signed with the Phoenix Suns, agreed to give back a portion of his salary as part of the buyout. While the exact amount remains undisclosed, the remainder of his salary will continue to count against Portland's salary cap for the upcoming season.
Drafted first overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Suns, Ayton entered the league with high expectations after a stellar collegiate career at the University of Arizona. As a Wildcat, he earned numerous accolades including Consensus first-team All-American, Karl Malone Award winner, Pac-12 Player of the Year, and Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. His transition to the NBA saw him become a consistent double-double threat, averaging over 10 rebounds per game in each of his seven seasons.
During his tenure with Phoenix from 2018 to 2023, Ayton was a key contributor, notably helping the Suns reach the 2021 NBA Finals, where they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. Despite never making an All-Star team, Ayton’s career averages stand at a solid 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game over 398 regular-season games, shooting an efficient 59% from the floor.
In September 2023, Ayton was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a blockbuster three-team deal that sent All-Star guard Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Since arriving in Portland, Ayton has averaged 15.7 points and 10.6 rebounds while shooting 56.9%. However, injuries have hampered his impact, with last season limited to just 40 games due to a season-ending left calf injury. His scoring dipped to a career low 14.4 points per game, although he maintained strong rebounding and defensive presence.
The Blazers’ decision to buy out Ayton’s contract comes amid a strategic pivot toward younger, homegrown talent. Portland recently drafted centers Donovan Clingan (No. 7 pick in 2024) and Yang Hansen (No. 16 pick in 2025) in back-to-back drafts, signaling a commitment to developing a new core of big men. Alongside veteran Robert Williams III and Duop Reath, the frontcourt depth made Ayton’s large contract an obstacle for the Blazers’ long-term roster flexibility.
Adding to the off-season shake-up, Portland also traded guard Anfernee Simons for veteran Jrue Holiday, further emphasizing a roster overhaul focused on youth and cap management. Despite Ayton’s departure, the Blazers have yet to make the playoffs since 2021, underscoring the need for a rebuild and fresh approach.
As Ayton enters free agency, he immediately becomes one of the more intriguing names on a market notably thin on marquee big men. Teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks are anticipated to show interest, seeking a traditional center who can provide post presence, rebounding, and rim protection. The Lakers, in particular, have been searching for interior defensive help following a first-round playoff loss where their lack of rim protection was exposed.
Though Ayton has not fully lived up to the lofty expectations of a No. 1 overall pick—especially compared to his 2018 draft classmates like Luka Dončić and Trae Young—his consistent double-double production and efficient shooting make him a valuable asset. His style as a traditional center who does not stretch the floor with three-point shooting has been a double-edged sword, sometimes frustrating fans and analysts, but his physicality and rebounding remain undeniable strengths.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlighted that Ayton can sign with any team immediately, as the waiver restrictions for second apron teams apply only during the regular season, giving him a unique advantage as free agency opens. Teams will be able to negotiate with him starting Monday, June 30, 2025, setting the stage for a busy and strategic free agency period.
Looking back on Ayton’s journey, his initial years in Phoenix showed promise, with a standout rookie season earning him third place in NBA Rookie of the Year voting and a spot on the All-Rookie first team. However, the Suns’ plans shifted, and after a brief flirtation with a max contract offer from the Indiana Pacers—which Phoenix matched—Ayton’s role diminished, culminating in his trade to Portland.
Now at 26, Ayton still has plenty of basketball ahead of him. The buyout provides a fresh opportunity to redefine his career trajectory and find a role that maximizes his strengths. Whether he becomes a key contributor on a playoff contender or a veteran presence on a rebuilding team, Ayton’s next chapter will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
For the Trail Blazers, Ayton’s buyout underscores a broader strategy of embracing youth, flexibility, and cap management. With promising lottery picks like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan leading the way, Portland is clearly focused on building a competitive core for the future. The addition of Jrue Holiday also indicates a desire to blend veteran leadership with emerging talent.
As free agency unfolds, all eyes will be on where Deandre Ayton lands—and how his departure shapes the Blazers’ rebuilding efforts. This unexpected buyout marks a pivotal moment for both player and team, signaling the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA.
