Deandre Ayton gave back $10 million of his $35.6 million 2025-26 salary with the Portland Trail Blazers as part of his buyout agreement with the team. Ayton figures to command at least that much on the open market.
Ayton was entering the final season of a four-year, $133 million contract he signed with the Indiana Pacers during the 2022 offseason that the Phoenix Suns subsequently matched. The Suns traded Ayton to the Blazers during the 2023 offseason.
Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 30.1 minutes across 40 games with the Blazers.
Ayton has been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers, who have their $14 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception available this offseason if they don't re-sign Dorian Finney-Smith.