The Portland Trail Blazers intend to buy out the final year of DeAndre Ayton's contract and make him a free agent, ESPN reported on Sunday.

Ayton has one season and $35.6m remaining on his contract.

The move comes on the eve of the NBA's free agency negotiating period, which begins on Monday night.

While the terms of the buyout have not been reported, Ayton will be free to negotiate with potential suitors starting on Monday.

Due to an offseason waiver provision in the collective bargaining agreement, Ayton is eligible to be signed even by teams over the first and second luxury tax aprons, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Ayton's exit will help free up a jammed rotation of centres in Portland. The Trail Blazers used the No. 16 overall pick on Chinese center Yang Hansen on Wednesday after drafting Donovan Clingan at No. 7 last year. Robert Williams III and Duop Reath are also under contract.

Sudden addition to the free-agent market. This gives Ayton, a former No. 1 overall pick who went to the NBA Finals with the Suns, the chance to receive a fresh opportunity as the Trail Blazers build around their depth of young centers. https://t.co/JlaQzrnI0N

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

Ayton, who will turn 27 this summer, has seen his stock fall rapidly after helping the Phoenix Suns to an NBA Finals appearance in 2021.

Ayton spent two seasons with the Blazers after being dealt in the trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Ayton's numbers declined to 14.4 points and 10.2 assists last season, but the 7-footer could be a valuable addition to a team in need of size and rebounding.