The veteran center instantly becomes a surprise addition to a free agent market thinned by reported re-signings. The 26-year-old big man is coming off arguably the poorest season of his career, tying a career low in scoring (14.4 ppg) while playing in just 40 games with Portland last season.

The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to buy out the final year of center Deandre Ayton ’s contract, making him a free agent, an NBA source has confirmed to The Oregonian/OregonLive.

The Portland Trail Blazers are set to buyout the contract of their center, Deandre Ayton. ESPN's Shams Charania shared the news via X. 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