In a surprising turn of events, Deandre Ayton has agreed to a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, officially making him an unrestricted free agent. This move comes as the Blazers look to retool their roster following a challenging season. Sources indicate that Ayton is eager to find a winning situation, leading to speculation about potential landing spots. The Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams interested in signing the former No. 1 overall pick, as they seek ways to bolster their roster and keep star player LeBron James satisfied. Other teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks, have also been mentioned as dark horses in the race for Ayton. The buyout marks a significant moment in the 2025 NBA offseason, further compounding the drama of the upcoming free agency period.