The Portland Trail Blazers and center Deandre Ayton have agreed to a contract buyout, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

This paves the way for Ayton to enter free agency as the veteran center, who held one year and $35.6 million on his deal, will waive that salary to pursue a fresh opportunity elsewhere.

At 26, Ayton averaged a robust 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block over 40 games last season before a left calf injury ended his year early. A former No. 1 overall pick and member of the NBA All-Rookie First Team, he's maintained double-double averages across seven seasons, distinguishing himself among active centers.

Portland, fresh off adding young big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen through the 2024 and 2025 drafts, as well as carrying Robert Williams III and Duop Reath, had limited space for Ayton’s minutes. Unable to find a suitable trade, the buyout became the most viable exit strategy. 

After clearing waivers (expected by Wednesday evening), Ayton can sign with any NBA team – even those over the second apron – providing flexibility in his next move.

Portland retains Ayton on its cap until his new contract begins, potentially stretching the buyout over multiple seasons to maximize cap flexibility.

However, the move aligns with their development-first vision, granting floor time to Clingan, Hansen, and Williams without drafting another center-heavy rotation.

The Blazers have offloaded a big salary to prioritize young frontcourt talent and cap health. For Ayton, this marks a fresh start, as he should draw interest from contenders seeking size and rebounding at a modest cost.