News about Deandre Ayton • Trail Blazers

Sources: Deandre Ayton to become free agent after Trail Blazers buyout - via ESPN www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45612548/sources-blazers-ayton-become-free-agent-buyout

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

The Trail Blazers grew fed up with Deandre Ayton’s behavior behind the scenes, per @jwquick (www.nytimes.com/athletic/6463929/2025/06/30/deandre-ayton-portlant-trail-blazers-free-agency/). Ayton and Portland both wanted a separation, which led to the buyout. pic.x.com/SIanW5g5rp

The Knicks, Lakers and Pacers have recently expressed trade interest in Nick Richards, per @MikeAScotto (hoopshype.com/lists/nba-intel-free-agency-deandre-ayton-malik-beasley-myles-turner-nickeil-alexander-walker-trades/). Richards can likely be had from the Suns in exchange for future second-round draft capital after acquiring Mark Williams and Khaman Maluach. pic.x.com/u5P1J1ONqY