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.
