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The Portland Trail Blazers had publicly lauded center Deandre Ayton's work with rookie center Donovan Clingan last season. Behind the scenes, the Blazers had tired of Ayton's bad habits.

Ayton was reportedly late to practices and flights, and would skip rehab appointments, throughout his tenure in Portland. The Blazers also didn't like Ayton's attitude when he was removed from games, especially when the veteran center wasn't showing the proper amount of effort.

In part, not wanting to deal with Ayton being around young centers Clingan and 2025 draftee Yang Hansen, Portland was open to working a buyout. In the end, the Trail Blazers opened a roster spot, saved a reported $10 million, and cleared out center minutes for the young duo.

Via Jason Quick/The Athletic

Good on the Blazers. Ayton is a self immolating disaster masterclass. Get yanked for bad effort, sulk for getting yanked. Geez. On the court was reflective of off the court. Good riddance to a grifter.

Sounds like he belongs on the Lakers.

Ayton excepted a $10M pay cut to leave Portland immediately, is that correct? I feel like a team's savings from a buyout isn't usually nearly that large

We PHX fans told you so, but you didn't want to listen. Kept thinking we're crazy or something.