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[Charania] Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN.
https://www.espn.com/contributor/shams-charania/1e5e49cb15ab7

Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN.

Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN.

Ayton to the Lakers!?

Thus was really smart of the Blazers

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Considering that the Blazers had so many centers on their roster and they were no takers for Ayton at his contract, this made a lot of sense. Now, the question becomes, does he value being on a winning team more or does value being on a team that can give him a starting job.

Almost certainly Lakers bound, no? Only reason he might not is he might feel some type of way being the 4th option, though im not sure there's anywhere in the league where he would be featured.

Can he get himself a larger deal elsewhere though? Or is Tmle his ceiling?

Texas Chuck wrote:Thus was really smart of the Blazers

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He’s gotta be giving up serious money to buy him out right now, and give up that expiring salary matching flexibility.

Charlotte has a gaping hole too. Much less scrutiny there

I'd be surprised if something isn't lined up already for him in FA. He and the Blazers must know what he's worth, which would make the buyout amount make sense for the Blazers.

facothomas22 wrote:Considering that the Blazers had so many centers on their roster and they were no takers for Ayton at his contract, this made a lot of sense. Now, the question becomes, does he value being on a winning team more or does value being on a team that can give him a starting job.

Lakers can give him both

DominAyton had no trade value, not surprising. This is the best option for all parties. Portland can give minutes to guys that might be part of their future and likely get a little money back. Ayton can choice the best situation for him versus a likely awkward last year in Portland.

He's good enough to have value. He's a credible starting center. A full MLE contract is IMO a team-friendly deal for him. Charlotte could offer that and a clear starting role. The Lakers can offer a clear starting role on a better/much higher profile team but I don't think they have full MLE money to offer.

Godaddycurse wrote:Charlotte has a gaping hole too. Much less scrutiny there

Charlotte makes too much sense. I'd be signing there and resurrecting my value.

LaMelo
Kon
Miller
Bridges
Ayton

That's an interesting group, nothing special, but I think it makes a bit of sense as a starting 5.

DFS opting out might mean Lakers can use Full MLE if they need to out bid anyone.


Hornets is other alternative I see.

Good riddance.

BuddyBuckets wrote:

Godaddycurse wrote:Charlotte has a gaping hole too. Much less scrutiny there

Charlotte makes too much sense. I'd be signing there and resurrecting my value.

LaMelo
Kon
Miller
Bridges
Ayton

That's an interesting group, nothing special, but I think it makes a bit of sense as a starting 5.

What makes Charlotte a better destination than LA next to Luka?

ReggiesKnicks wrote:

BuddyBuckets wrote:

Godaddycurse wrote:Charlotte has a gaping hole too. Much less scrutiny there

Charlotte makes too much sense. I'd be signing there and resurrecting my value.

LaMelo
Kon
Miller
Bridges
Ayton

That's an interesting group, nothing special, but I think it makes a bit of sense as a starting 5.

What makes Charlotte a better destination than LA next to Luka?

Money offered

Looking forward to the Jazz signing him. Makes as much sense as anything else they've done lately.

zimpy27 wrote:

ReggiesKnicks wrote:

BuddyBuckets wrote:
Charlotte makes too much sense. I'd be signing there and resurrecting my value.

LaMelo
Kon
Miller
Bridges
Ayton

That's an interesting group, nothing special, but I think it makes a bit of sense as a starting 5.

What makes Charlotte a better destination than LA next to Luka?

Money offered

What would be the money difference and how much more money could he get with a good year in LA next to Luka?

I think it's much easier for DA to look good in LA than in Charlotte, all things considered.

ReggiesKnicks wrote:

zimpy27 wrote:

ReggiesKnicks wrote:
What makes Charlotte a better destination than LA next to Luka?

Money offered

What would be the money difference and how much more money could he get with a good year in LA next to Luka?

I think it's much easier for DA to look good in LA than in Charlotte, all things considered.

Depends on his mentality. If he can rise to it then LA I agree.
But failing in LA next to Luka might cook his career.


Difference depends on Lakers going for DFS or not.

But $5m for 3 vs $14m for 4 is the tax and no-tax MLE difference.

Celtics sign him and form a three-headed monster at center of Neemias Queta, Dominayton, and the new guy.