Portland decided to release the former No. 1 overall pick after he played one of his poorest seasons at only 26. Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in 40 appearances after missing a considerable amount of action with a left calf strain.

The veteran center instantly becomes a surprise addition to a free agent market thinned by reported re-signings. The 26-year-old big man is coming off arguably the poorest season of his career, tying a career low in scoring (14.4 ppg) while playing in just 40 games with Portland last season.

A n insider has revealed the dramatic issues that inspired the Portland Trail Blazers to negotiate a buyout with starting center Deandre Ayton.