Buyout of 35.5 million! No. 1 pick Ayton bids farewell to the Trail Blazers, free market ignits the battle for the giants

On June 30, the NBA free market has not officially opened, and a big news exploded like thunder: According to authoritative reporter Shams Charania, former No. 1 pick De Andre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers. This means that Ayton is about to bid farewell to the City of Roses and brings his salary of up to $35.55 million next season, and as a complete free agent, he will join the surging free agent market this summer without any obstacles.

For Ayton personally, this is undoubtedly a turning point full of possibilities. The 2018 No. 1 pick who once reached the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns has not fully shone with the expected light in the short years of the Trail Blazers. Shams pointed out in the follow-up analysis that the buyout opened a "new development opportunity" for Ayton, and this talented center is in urgent need of a stage that can re-prove his core value.

Looking back at the just-concluded 24-25 season, Ayton played 40 regular season games with the Trail Blazers, averaging 30.1 minutes per game and contributing 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, plus comprehensive data of 0.8 steals and 1 block. The basic efficiency is acceptable, and his shooting percentage of 56.6% maintained the ending level of the inside. But the three-point shooting percentage was only 18.8% and the free throw shooting percentage was 66.7%, indicating that its technical shortcomings remain. More importantly, its game influence is far from the Suns era in the past, and its presence on both ends of offense and defense has declined significantly. The move of the Trail Blazers management is the key move for the team to completely rejuvenate and rebuild the chess game. After buying out Ayton, the team's center position will be supported by four young faces: Chinese potential star Yang Hansen, 2024 draft high pick rookie Klingen, defensive champion Rowe who returned from injury, and space-type inside Rees. This combination is full of vitality and unknown, and also clearly outlines the strategic direction of the pioneers' future.

It is quite dramatic that shortly after the news that Yang Hansen officially joined the Trail Blazers came out, Ayton warmly welcomed the new teammate on social media and expressed his willingness to "look forward to fighting side by side." However, the cruel reality of competitive sports quickly emerged - Ayton's blessing was still in his ears, but he was already on the verge of leaving the team. This sudden turning point made fans feel moved, but also reflected the coldness and efficiency of NBA business decisions.

When Ayton's name appears on the free agent list, many teams eager to strengthen the inside will definitely be moved. The interpretation of salary structure expert Bobby Marks is crucial: Although Ayton's last contract had a middle-class special case with a salary of far more than $14.1 million a year, he was able to sign with any team as a free agent due to his special status after the buyout. Even for super teams whose salaries explode and exceed the "second tyrant line", restrictions only exist in trading operations during the regular season, and signing free agents are not subject to this limit.

Among them, the Los Angeles Lakers, which urgently need to improve the depth and quality of the inside, have been regarded as one of Ayton's most popular potential next players. The Lakers management has been looking for a center with athleticism, rebounding protection and certain scoring threats to share the pressure of Anthony Davis. Ayton's talent template perfectly meets this need. If the former No. 1 center who is in his first year of playing at a reasonable price will be a very cost-effective and accurate reinforcement for the Purple and Gold Army, which is determined to return to the championship ranks. The buyout amount of

35.5 million is one of the most expensive "breakup fees" in NBA history. The Trail Blazers exchanged real money for the young center group to have more room for growth and locker room voice, which is the price that must be paid on the road to reconstruction.

And Ayton's next stop is the final chance of the former No. 1 pick to redefine his career. When the free market door opens, a battle surrounding the talented center will officially begin. Can he regain his former glory in the Lakers or other new clubs? This will be one of the most anticipated suspense this summer.