In a surprising turn of events, DeAndre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has officially been bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers—a move that could shake up the already fast-moving 2025 NBA free agency market.
The Blazers announced the buyout early Monday morning, sending a clear signal: Portland is moving full steam ahead with its youth movement. And just like that, the 26-year-old center becomes an unexpected addition to a free-agent pool that’s already been picked over by early re-signings and extensions.
Ayton’s Decline: A Career Year to Forget
Once considered one of the most promising young big men in the league, Ayton’s stock has taken a noticeable dip. Last season with Portland, he appeared in just 40 games and posted a career-low 14.4 points per game, matching his rookie year output. It marked arguably the worst season of his professional career.
Injuries and inconsistency plagued his time in Rip City, where his presence failed to elevate a rebuilding Blazers squad into playoff contention. Though he continued to average double-digit rebounds—something he’s done every year since entering the league—his offensive production and overall impact declined.
Ayton’s struggles in Portland weren’t entirely shocking. After being traded from Phoenix in 2023 as part of the Damian Lillard three-team deal, the pressure was on him to become a cornerstone for the Blazers. But that never quite materialized.
A Finals Run That Feels Like a Lifetime Ago
It’s easy to forget now, but Ayton played a pivotal role in the Phoenix Suns’ 2021 run to the NBA Finals, where they fell in six games to the Milwaukee Bucks. Back then, he was seen as a rising star—combining athleticism, rim protection, and rebounding ability in a way that had teams lining up for a shot at signing him.
In fact, following that Finals run, Ayton signed a max contract offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers, which Phoenix matched to retain him. That was supposed to be the start of his prime. Instead, just two years later, he was traded to Portland, and now, he finds himself a free agent—still just 26, but with questions swirling about his trajectory.
What This Means for Portland’s Future
For Portland, this move clears the way for a full-scale youth rebuild centered around three recent lottery picks:
Scoot Henderson (No. 3 pick, 2023)
Shaedon Sharpe (No. 7 pick, 2022)
Donovan Clingan (No. 7 pick, 2024)
The Blazers are clearly banking on their home-grown talent to shape the next era. Ayton’s exit removes a high-priced veteran from the mix, allowing more minutes and development for Clingan and the younger frontcourt pieces.
Additionally, reports suggest the team is closing in on a trade for veteran guard Jrue Holiday, adding stability and experience to balance their growing young core.
Where Will Ayton Go Next?
Now that he’s officially a free agent, all eyes turn to which team will take a chance on Ayton’s untapped potential. Despite a down year, he still possesses elite size, rebounding ability, and flashes of skill that could make him a valuable rotation player—or even a starter—on a playoff-caliber team.
Teams in need of frontcourt depth, like the Hornets, Wizards, or even contenders like the Mavericks or Bulls, could take a flier on him for the right price. After all, he’s only 26. A fresh start could be exactly what he needs.
Bottom line: Deandre Ayton’s buyout signals the end of a failed experiment in Portland—but it might just be the beginning of a second chance elsewhere. Don’t count him out yet.
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