Deandre Ayton released by Portland: the center becomes a free agent!

Deandre Ayton will no longer wear the Portland Trail Blazers jersey. The 26-year-old Bahamian center has finalized a buyout agreement with the Oregon franchise, according to ESPN, allowing him to become a free agent despite having one season remaining on his contract.

The former 2018 Draft first pick still had $35.6 million guaranteed on his $133 million contract signed in 2022 with Phoenix. Thanks to this buyout negotiated during the summer, Ayton can now sign with any team in the league, including those subject to the « second apron » of the salary cap, a restriction that only applies during the regular season.

Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/DNYcNqRvkW

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

A disappointing stint in Oregon

Ayton’s experience in Portland lasted two seasons after his arrival from the Suns. Despite decent statistics last season (14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds on 56.6% shooting), the center never fully convinced in Oregon.

According to The Athletic, his first months in Portland were « defined by tardiness and outbursts according to team sources. » Although he raised his level after the All-Star break averaging 22.7 points, it wasn’t enough to convince a franchise committed to a youth movement.

This departure clears the way under the basket for Donovan Clingan, the 7th pick in the 2024 Draft, and Hansen Yang, recently selected 16th overall. Duop Reath also completes the Blazers’ interior rotation.

Ayton remains a unique player: he’s the first since Dwight Howard to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first seven NBA seasons. At 26, this mobile center should attract attention from many franchises seeking interior reinforcement, particularly the Lakers who are making this position an absolute priority this summer.