Deandre Ayton bought out by the Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have decided to go in a different direction when it comes to veteran center Deandre Ayton.
The Blazers have come to terms with Ayton on a contract buyout, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources told ESPN on Sunday.
The veteran center reportedly had a considerable amount of money left on his deal before the team agreed to a buyout.
Ayton, who will turn 27 next month, had $35.6 million left on a contract that was set to expire next summer. Ayton and his representatives approached the Blazers about a buyout and Ayton wanting to play in a winning situation, sources said.
After stints with the Phoenix Suns and Blazers, Ayton will attempt to start anew elsewhere in the NBA as free agency begins on Monday. Even though Ayton hasn’t lived up to being the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, he still provides value for a team that has a need in the frontcourt.
In 40 games with the Blazers last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 59.4 percent from the floor.
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The 27-year-old is still putting up solid numbers when healthy, which makes him an intriguing option for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, whose number one goal is upgrading the center position during the summer.
There will be no shortage of interest in the veteran big man, as he might be able to help a title contender right away.
