Is DeAndre Ayton leaving Portland Trail Blazers? His agent approached the team about a buy-out

Deandre Ayton is leaving the Portland Trail Blazers. This news came after his agent spoke to the team and asked for a buy-out. He had a big contract with the team. However, it appears that both parties are ready to move on from each other.

This is probably because neither has benefited from the other. Deandre Ayton joined the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023 through a three-team trade. However, now he is looking out.

Deandre Ayton eyes exit from Portland Trail Blazers amid buyout discussions

Deandre Ayton and his agent, Bill Duffy, who also represents Luka Doncic, are in buyout talks with the Portland Trail Blazers. He is entering the final season of his contract, worth $35.6 million, if he signs with the team. However, NBA insider Shams Charania said that the NBA player wants to play for a team that’s more likely to win. During Deandre Ayton's time as the team's main center, Portland has struggled and failed to reach the playoffs or even qualify for the Play-In Tournament. Addressing the same, Charania said:"(DeAndre) Ayton, who turns 27 next month, had $35.6 million left in his contract, which was set to expire next summer.. Ayton and his representatives approached the Blazers about a buyout and Ayton wanting to play in a winning situation."

https://x.com/LakersBetter/status/1939541904653168998He spent one season with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was a tough center who had fairly good numbers. However, the overall team did not perform well. They took a rebuilding approach and gave more opportunities to young players.Because of this, DeAndre Ayton and the team decided it was better to part ways. His agent approached the Portland Trail Blazers and asked if they could agree to a buy-out.

The team said yes.Now, he will go through a process called the waiver period. This lasts for 48 hours. During this time, other NBA teams can choose to pick him up and pay his old contract. If no team does that, DeAndre Ayton will become a free agent. In other words, he can go anywhere he wants. He’ll probably search for a team that’s good already and is interested in adding a player like him.Meanwhile, although a buyout is very likely, it’s still uncertain which teams might want to sign the player. The Portland Trail Blazers’ center has dealt with his injuries over the years. Even though he can be dependable when he plays, his inability to stay consistently healthy could be a concern for any team considering picking him.Also read: LeBron James celebrates his electric boat team’s strong finish in Italy but the real test is still ahead.