PHOENIX – The only No. 1 overall pick by the Phoenix Suns franchise in DeAndre Ayton had surprising news surrounding him, as the 26-year-old and the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to a contract buyout. Ayton was in the final year of his four-year, $132.9 million contract that he initial signed in Phoenix before traded the following offseason to Portland. Ayton will become an unrestricted free agent for the first time of his career, after a hectic restricted free agency back in 2022.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Apr 26, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) celebrates a play against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half during game five of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Ayton’s complicated history with Suns:
The former Arizona Wildcats center was the unanimously the projected top pick in the 2018 draft and had a promising rookie season with the franchise, averaging 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds. Ayton’s arrival began the Valley Boyz saga of the team with Kelly Oubre, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson and more. The squad has a sensational undefeated run in the NBA bubble, that propelled them to an NBA Finals run in the 2020-2021 season.
Feb 24, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) celebrates with center Deandre Ayton (22) against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Ayton and the Suns would fall two games shorts of a NBA title, which began the descent the big man’s relationship with the franchise. When entering NBA free agency, Phoenix and Ayton couldn’t come close to a number, irritating the seven-footer. Ayton did eventually get a massive offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers, which the Suns matched but the damage to the relationship was already done.
After a failed midseason trade for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant in 2023, Phoenix was eliminated in the second round to the eventual NBA Champion Denver Nuggets. Ayton had much of the blame thrown at him for his lack of effort against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Owner Mat Ishbia and the front office needed to offload money to create more flexibility with the roster, and Ayton was the odd man out being sent to the Trail Blazers for Jusuf Nurkic.
Oct 21, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) defends Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
In his two seasons with Portland, Ayton has only appeared in 95 games recording 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds. The franchise drafted center Donovan Clingan in the 2024 NBA draft and then drafted another big man in Yang Hansen 16th overall this year, spelling the eventual exit for Ayton.
Ayton is entering his eight year in the league, and still hasn’t reached the hype level of his pre-draft comparisons. Many teams will be interested in the big man, with the Los Angeles Lakers being a likely contender. Even if the Suns were in a market for a center, which is unlikely after the 2025 draft, the relationship between Ayton and the front office/fans is too far gone between any thought of a reunion.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
