Ayton came to the Blazers in 2023 in a deal that sent center Jusuf Nurkic and others to the Phoenix Suns, where Ayton played for six years after they made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft.

After the Portland Trail Blazers and Deandre Ayton agreed to a buyout, the first pick in the 2018 NBA Draft received interest from five teams. However, Ayton chose to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers,

The Portland Trail Blazers bought out Ayton’s contract last weekend, and he has agreed to join Doncic and LeBron James on a one-year deal with a player option for 2026-27. He will be paid more than $25 million by the Blazers while playing for the Lakers in the upcoming season.