Trail Blazers and Deandre Ayton Strike Deal: What the Buyout Means for His Future

The Portland Trail Blazers have decided to buy out Deandre Ayton’s contract, making him a free agent. This news comes after the Blazers traded for Ayton just before the 2023 training camp.

Ayton, the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, was brought to Portland as a key piece in the Damian Lillard trade. He was expected to be a major player but struggled to find his rhythm. While he averaged decent points and rebounds—16.1 points and 11.1 rebounds in his first season—he faced criticism for inconsistent play and defensive lapses.

Interestingly, the Blazers have focused on strengthening their center position in the recent drafts. In the 2024 draft, they picked Donovan Clingan, followed by Yang Hansen in the next round. This indicates their shift in focus towards players who can make an immediate impact, especially on defense.

Generously, the Blazers still owe Ayton $35.5 million for the upcoming season, despite the buyout. This cap hit shows how difficult it has been for the team to manage its roster successfully. Notably, Ayton was part of a Sun’s team that reached the NBA Finals in 2021, but his performance in Portland doesn’t match that caliber.

Ayton’s journey has sparked discussions online. Fans express mixed feelings about his departure. Some believe his potential is still untapped, while others feel the team is better off without him.

With teams like the Los Angeles Lakers needing a center, Ayton could draw interest, although at a lower price than before. However, concerns about his defensive attitude may deter some.

Overall, the Blazers have been busy reshaping their roster, including the recent trade for Jrue Holiday. After a 36-46 season, the pressure is on to improve.

The projected starting lineup could look like this:

• PG: Scoot Henderson or Jrue Holiday
• SG: Holiday or Shaedon Sharpe
• SF: Toumani Camara
• PF: Deni Avdija
• C: Donovan Clingan

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Blazers look to bounce back and make a statement next season.

For more on the Blazers’ changes and the upcoming NBA season, you can follow the latest updates on ESPN and OregonLive.

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