Deandre Ayton clears waivers, enters free agency

Former Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton has cleared waivers, per the RealGM transactions log, setting himself up for unrestricted free agency.

Ayton and the Blazers agreed to a contract buyout at the start of free agency. The former No. 1 overall pick is expected to land with a new team fairly quickly, with the Los Angeles Lakers and several others reportedly showing interest. 

Per NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Lakers’ interest is “strong.” For the record, Ayton shares an agent with Lakers star guard Luka Doncic.

In 40 games for the Blazers last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 56.6 percent from the field and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line. 

He carries career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds. He helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021.

Also clearing waivers on Wednesday were wings Cody Martin (Phoenix Suns) and Johnny Juzang (Utah Jazz).