Trail Blazers Agree to DeAndre Ayton Buyout Ahead NBA Free Agency

The Portland Trail Blazers are reshaping their roster following a strong 36-win season, highlighted by the buyout of center Deandre Ayton. Despite being the 2018 first overall pick and showing flashes of dominance, Ayton's $35.5 million salary and a calf injury limited his impact, prompting Portland to prioritize younger centers Hansen Yang and Donovan Clingan. The buyout makes Ayton a free agent, with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly interested. Portland also made moves to bolster their backcourt by trading Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday, adding veteran defensive prowess. Additionally, the Blazers exercised the team option on guard/forward Rayan Rupert, securing his services for the next season as they prepare for free agency with limited cap space. Meanwhile, in the broader NBA landscape, players like Kelly Oubre Jr. have exercised contract options to remain with their teams, and trade rumors continue to swirl around stars such as Jaylen Brown, indicating an active offseason across the league.