Trail Blazers Set to Buy Out Deandre Ayton’s Contract

The Portland Trail Blazers are set to buy out the remainder of center Deandre Ayton, making him a free agent, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Ayton was entering the final season of his four-year, $133 million deal. His salary for the upcoming season was $35.5 million, though Bobby Marks of ESPN reports he can sign with any team after the buyout.

Deandre Ayton is free to sign with any team despite earning greater than $14.1M+.

The waiver restriction for second apron teams only applies during the regular season.

He had $35.6M left on an expiring contract.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 30, 2025

The transaction gives the Blazers more space in their rotation for their younger centers like Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen — who Portland just drafted a couple of days ago.

It is telling that the Blazers could not get any interest from other teams for a trade and are instead opting to eat a good chunk of his contract.

Turning 27 next month, Ayton should get plenty of suitors from center-needy teams. He averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds for the Blazers last season, providing a strong presence on the offensive and defensive glass.

Ayton came over via a trade that sent Jusuf Nurkic and other assets to the Phoenix Suns for Deandre Ayton and forward Toumani Camara.

Despite having a high pedigree as a former No. 1 overall draft pick, Ayton's career is full of inconsistency on both ends of the court.

The issue that has persisted with the big man is effort — which led to issues with both head coach Monty Williams at the Suns and Chauncy Billups in Portalnd.

During a game in December, Billups benched Ayton for his effort and didn't hold back when talking to reporters.

“I didn’t like this spirit in the game… We’ve struggled with that. Without Donovan (Clingan) and Rob (Williams), those are our best rim protectors,” Billups said.

“We didn’t do a good job with that tonight, along with every other thing and aspect of the game.”

A change of scenery is best for the both the Blazers and Ayton, who both get a chance to move on from this underwhelming chapter.

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For more news and notes on the Portland Trail Blazers, visit Portland Trail Blazers on SI.