Deandre Ayton in Pacers’ sights after split with Portland

After losing Myles Turner to the Bucks, the Pacers find themselves needing to recruit a new high-caliber center. According to The Stein Line, the Indiana franchise is seriously interested in Deandre Ayton, recently released by the Portland Trail Blazers. If the season were to start today, the current finalists would be forced to start Tony Bradley at the 5 position, a solution that doesn’t seem viable long-term.

The Indiana Pacers have registered interest in Deandre Ayton, per @JakeLFischer

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Ayton’s departure from Portland is explained by his « bad habits » both on and off the court. As detailed by The Athletic, Chauncey Billups’s office now prominently displays this Larry Brown quote: « You can have bad plays but not bad ways. »

The Bahamian’s two seasons in Oregon were marked by frustration on both sides. His constant tardiness for flights and training, missed medical appointments, and outbursts whenever disciplined by Chauncey Billups ultimately led to the split. The former 2018 first overall pick even agreed to leave $10 million of the $35.6 million he was due next year on the table to leave.

The Pacers, a path already explored in 2022

This potential move to the Pacers wouldn’t be Ayton’s first connection with the team. In 2022, Indiana had already shown strong interest in the center by offering him a four-year, $133 million contract. The Suns ultimately matched this offer to keep him.

« I have to thank the Pacers. They were aggressive from the start and showed me a lot of love. We agreed on a max offer. The Suns matched. Now I’m back in Phoenix as a Suns player, » the center had said at the time.

Despite his talent and seven consecutive seasons averaging a double-double, Ayton will need to prove he can shed his bad habits. Could a change of scenery to a « winning team » as he requests do him good? The Lakers are also reportedly seriously interested in his profile, but the Nassau native will struggle to find his previous salary level.