New Blazers center immediately changes NBA 2K jersey

Ayton, who went from Phoenix to Portland in the three-team Damian Lillard trade Wednesday, changed his avatar's outfit to Blazers gear almost immediately after the deal went through. That's a sign that Ayton was happy to leave the Suns, but also a testament to just how serious he is about the video game.

Last year, Ayton told ESPN that he plays NBA 2K "at least four or five hours" per day. He plays with a roster of ten different virtual Deandre Aytons, who cover every position on the floor. Ayton claims he's the only NBA player to achieve "Legend" status in the game, which requires reaching Level 40 for four seasons in the game.

"I don't think I could live without the game and that's real talk," Ayton said.

So it makes sense that Ayton would waste no time trading the digital Deandres to the Blazers as well. Especially since his unhappiness in Phoenix seemed to be growing.

First the team didn't offer him an a maximum rookie extension, even though the former No. 1 pick reached the NBA Finals in his thrid season. Coach Monty Williams benched Ayton in Phoenix's upset loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2022 playoffs then didn't talk to him all summer. Then Ayton had to get an offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers when he entered restricted free agency. Which Phoenix matched.

Now the real-life and virtual Aytons get a fresh start in Portland – call it an extra life. The rebuilding Blazers should have plenty of opportunities for Ayton, and a chance to achieve Legend status in the real NBA.