According to ESPN reporter Shams Charania, Deandre Ayton is negotiating a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Ayton played 40 regular season games for the Trail Blazers last season, averaging 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game.
“There is a new face in the free agent market. Ayton, who was once the No. 1 pick, now has a new opportunity-he once reached the finals with the Suns, and now he is expected to prove himself again in the process of the Trail Blazers rebuilding around several young centers,” Shams wrote on his personal social media.
Ayton reached a four-year, $133 million contract with the Suns in the summer of 2022. There is only one year left, and the contract is worth $35.6 million next season.