The Portland Trail Blazers shocked the NBA world less than a day before the start of NBA free agency. The Blazers opted to buy out starting center Deandre Ayton, even though he had $35.6 million remaining on his contract.
Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/DNYcNqRvkW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
Waiving him and agreeing to pay $14 million frees him up to sign with any team he so chooses. It also gives teams such as the San Antonio Spurs the perfect opportunity.
While they have Victor Wembanyama, they are in desperate need of a reliable backup. They are one of the few teams that could offer him significant money to sign in free agency.
Whether Ayton would be willing to take a backup role at this point in his career is unclear. Especially considering that teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers need a starting center.
It's worth noting that they could only offer him the taxpayer mid-level exception worth $5.6 million. Meanwhile, the Spurs could offer him up to the full mid-level exception worth $14.1 million.
Should the Spurs sign Deandre Ayton in free agency?
Ayton unexpectedly hitting free agency less than 24 hours before it starts likely changes off-season plans for many teams, possibly including the Spurs. However, he has shown questionable decision-making on the court over the course of his career.
Still, he is obviously talented and productive and would give San Antonio the perfect Wembanyama insurance policy if he were to miss time due to injuries. They might even play together for stretches with Wembanyama being able to space the floor.
On the other hand, the Spurs may look for a cheaper option, such as the Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet or the Philadelphia 76ers' Gershon Yabusele. They may be even more obtainable with Ayton drawing attention away from them in free agency.
Overall, the Blazers' opting to waive Ayton likely forces many teams to recalibrate their list of off-season targets at center. The Spurs may have some reservations about signing him, but he just became the top free agent center, and they desperately need another center.