Portland Trail Blazers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

‘He’s a beast’… What Deandre Ayton said about LA Lakers star shows he would love to get the chance to play with him

One free agent linked to the LA Lakers has a history with one of their superstars. One of the surprise pieces of news to break during the build to free agency featured Deandre Ayton.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Trail Blazers agree to buy out Deandre Ayton

The Portland Trail Blazers and center Deandre Ayton have agreed to a contract buyout, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This paves the way for Ayton to enter free agency as the veteran center, who held one year and $35.6 million on his deal, will waive that salary to pursue a fresh opportunity elsewhere.

Portland Trail Blazers News / Blazer's Edge / June 30

A Smart Target for the Trail Blazers Mid-Level Exception

One guard could make a bigger difference than his contract. When the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to buy out center Deandre Ayton this weekend they left open a roster spot and potential dollars to spend.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Multi-time NBA MVPs' quiz

Fifteen different players have won multiple NBA Most Valuable Player honors. How many can you name?

The 'NBA No. 1 draft pick and Rookie of the Year' quiz

The 'Multiple 200+ three-pointer NBA seasons' quiz

The 'NBA all-time scoring leaders' quiz

Rich Paul News / NBA Analysis Network / June 30

Rich Paul reveals thoughts on Yang Hansen being selected to Portland Trail Blazers in the biggest NBA Draft surprise

The Portland Trail Blazers came under fire for picking Yang Hansen in the first round of the NBA Draft, although Rich Paul was not surprised to hear his name called that early.

NBA News / Yardbarker

Every NBA Finals MVP winner

Here is every winner of the NBA Finals MVP, a who’s who of Association history.

Portland Trail Blazers News / Last Word On Sports / June 30

Trail Blazers Commit To Clingan And Yang After Ayton Buyout

The Trail Blazers have pulled the trigger on committing to a young frontcourt by buying out Deandre Ayton’s contract. He had one year left on his deal, but GM Joe Cronin and his staff are making the pivot.

NBA News / Hoops Rumors / June 30

QO Updates: J. Walker, A. Mitchell, Two-Ways, Mann

The Trail Blazers opted not to tender forward Jabari Walker a qualifying offer prior to Sunday’s deadline, reports Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report (Twitter link).

Deandre Ayton News / Hardwood Heroics / June 30

Portland Trail Blazers Finalizing a Contract Buyout With Deandre Ayton: Report

There is a new addition in the free agent market after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Sunday about the Portland Trail Blazers and center Deandre Ayton.

Portland Trail Blazers News / Larry Brown Sports / June 30

Former NBA No. 1 overall pick gets bought out

The Portland Trail Blazers are cutting their losses with Deandre Ayton. The Blazers are working toward a contract buyout with Ayton, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Jabari Walker News / Blazer's Edge / June 30

Blazers Don’t Extend Qualifying Offer to Jabari Walker

Walker will now become an unrestricted free agent. The Portland Trail Blazers did not extend a qualifying offer to forward Jabari Walker, meaning he will become an unrestricted free agent.

Deandre Ayton News / Field Level Media / June 30

Reports: Blazers C Deandre Ayton to be free agent after buyout

The Portland Trail Blazers will buy out the final year of center Deandre Ayton's contract and make him a free agent, multiple media outlets reported on Sunday night.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'NFL head coaches' quiz

The 'NBA all-time scoring leaders' quiz

The 'No. 2 NBA Draft picks' quiz

The 'NBA's No. 1 draft picks' quiz

NBA News / Yardbarker / June 30

Deandre Ayton is a perfect fit for this Western Conference contender

Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers and will enter free agency, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

LeBron James contract update still may not answer one big question

Insider suggests fitting end to LeBron James' playing career

Lakers must find a way to keep veteran forward

Every NBA player to average 30 points per game in a season

The 'Multiple NBA Finals MVPs' quiz

Portland Trail Blazers News / Hoops Wire / June 29

Report: Blazers, Deandre Ayton Agree to Contract Buyout

The Portland Trail Blazers are moving on from Deandre Ayton. Specifically, the Blazers have reached a contract buyout agreement with the veteran center, per a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Portland Trail Blazers News / NBA Draft on SI / June 29

Trail Blazers’ Hansen Yang was Biggest Swing of 2025 Draft

At the 2025 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers shocked other teams — and more than likely the world — in selecting Chinese big man Hansen Yang at No.

Portland Trail Blazers News / NBA Analysis Network / June 28

Former Portland Trail Blazers ‘bust’ Greg Oden breaks down exactly why his career did not work out

As the #1 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, Greg Oden entered the league with high expectations. Unfortunately, he ended up becoming a draft bust, largely due to significant injuries.

Portland Trail Blazers News / Portland Trail Blazers on SI / June 28

Blazers Hit With Low Draft Grade for Surprising Pick

The Portland Trail Blazers drafted Yang Hansen out of China with the No. 16 overall selection, a draft pick that is getting backlash from NBA analysts.

Chauncey Billups News / NBA Analysis Network / June 28

Chauncey Billups picks out one reason he is not at all worried about Yang Hansen, but admits ‘unique’ challenge

The Portland Trail Blazers shocked everyone when they selected Chinese center Yang Hansen in the 2025 Draft. He is an unproven prospect, but Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups is confident he can maximize Yang despite the language barrier.

Portland Trail Blazers News / Portland Trail Blazers on SI / June 27

Blazers Draft Selection Hit With Steep Criticism

The Portland Trail Blazers made a shocking draft pick in the first round, which is receiving a ton of criticism. With the 16th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Blazers took Yang Hansen, a 20-year-old from China.

Portland Trail Blazers News / NBA on ClutchPoints / June 27

Blazers rookie Yang Hansen drops all-time quote on life away from basketball

The Portland Trail Blazers were behind one of the biggest surprises in the NBA Draft on Wednesday. Trail Blazers general manager Joe Cronin picked Chinese center Yang Hansen at No.

Portland Trail Blazers News / Yardbarker / June 27

Trail Blazers rookie instantly becomes most relatable player in NBA

The big man from China has wasted no time endearing himself to fans.

Trail Blazers' first-round pick might be most stunning selection of the 2025 NBA Draft

Every NBA player to average 30 points per game in a season

The 'Top three picks in the NBA Draft' quiz

Chauncey Billups News / Portland Trail Blazers on SI / June 26

Chauncey Billups Believes Blazers May Have All-Star Already on Roster

The Portland Trail Blazers have been trying to find out what they have in their young players for the last few years. They haven't been able to get an All-Star on the team since Damian Lillard left.

Jrue Holiday News / Athlon Sports / June 26

Jrue Holiday Breaks Silence With 3-Word Message After Celtics Trade

On Monday, it was announced that the Boston Celtics are trading Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks.

Nikola Jokic News / Last Word On Sports / June 26

The Trail Blazers Gamble On Stunning ‘Chinese Jokic’ Draft Pick

The Trail Blazers made a trade during the NBA Draft to drop from #11 to make a surprising #16 pick. With that selection, the Blazers’ draft pick was Yang Hansen, who some people dub as the Chinese Jokic.

Portland Trail Blazers News / Yardbarker / June 26