Source: https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-intel-jonas-valanciunas-deandre-ayton-free-agency/

Deandre Ayton received exploratory interest from the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks (before agreeing to a deal with Myles Turner) before joining the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told HoopsHype.

Ayton ultimately decided the Lakers were the best basketball fit and allowed him the opportunity to join forces with Luka Doncic, who’s the same age and considered the best playmaker in the NBA in Ayton’s eyes.

Following success playing with guards such as Chris Paul and Ricky Rubio in Phoenix, Ayton hopes to recreate that playmaking chemistry with Doncic.

As reported by HoopsHype, Ayton will earn $34 million this upcoming season between the Trail Blazers and Lakers combined, while also having a player option in his contract for the 2026-27 season.

25 comments

  2. Look at what Luka managed with Powell, cauley stein, and Kleber. If Ayton is serious and puts in effort, don’t be surprised to see an all star level season and maybe some MIP consideration

  3. Another interesting tidbit from the article which further debunks Jason Quick’s hit piece on Ayton

    **Lastly, as teams reached out to Trail Blazers officials on background, the feedback was consistently positive regarding Ayton, who was a community staple in Portland and hosted many team bonding events during the season**

  4. Ayton is probably the best center (talent wise) that Luka is gonna play with so far right?

  5. lol be real buddy it’s your best chance to get your next fat contract

  8. People can question Ayton’s work ethic all they want, but if he really wanted to dodge responsibility he wouldn’t have signed with the Lakers. This is an underrated move for them. It’s the best move in the West all offseason (except *maybe* Cam Johnson for MPJ).

  9. Makes a whole tonne of sense for Ayton. His next bag can definitely be benefitted if he paired with a PG that can elevate this game. Plus he is going to the 2nd biggest market to make himself more well known.

    Plus Lebron ain’t too shabby passing the ball given both him and Luka are top 10 in assists per game last season.

  10. I guess it happens but has there ever been 2 first round lottery picks in the same draft class to play with each other? That weren’t drafted by their Draft day teams? This is Luka’s second and Aytons third team. And now they’re on the same team lol

  11. Good choice ayton

    I’ve been a big believer in this pairing for the last few years even before lively got to Dallas, I just think Luka and ayton is really really gonna pop offensively and he’s finally gonna be motivated to use those monster tools on defense

    We’ll see but I have very high hopes

  13. Media guys and fans: Ayton is a cancer, he’s locker room poison

    Blazers coaches and personnel: nothing but positive things to say about Ayton

    It would be one thing if they were trying to offload him but he was already gone, they have no reason to lie

  14. They are going to utilize the shit out of the Doncic Ayton pairing. Lakers are going to be fun next season.

  16. TIL Ricky Rubio was 20-13-7 per 100 possession for Phoenix, starting all 65 games he played in and playing 31mpg. For context, Haliburton is 27-13-5 (albeit on much better efficiency).

  18. As I said before when everyone was laughing at the lakers for not signing anybody when free agency opened, just be patient. Ayton is a lot better than dayron sharpe, brook lopez, clint capela or any other washed up or shitty, limited center they could’ve gone after. Ayton playing next to lebron and luka and in los angeles he has no choice but to give full effort and play to his potential. This is a win for ayton’s career which is just entering its prime, and a huge win for the lakers who get an immensely talented center without having to give up any assets. They still have a lot of contracts they can use to match salary in a trade and go after a guy like andrew wiggins to help shore up that perimeter defense and outside shooting.

    I don’t know if I’d call them the early favorites to win the championship but they have to be top 3 imo. Nobody out east should be ahead of them and really only the thunder, rockets, and maybe nuggets have an argument.

  20. Such an interesting pairing because if Luka and Ayton have good chemistry and unlock each other’s games on the lakers this season than next offseason with LeBron off the books becomes do they build around Luka and Ayton or let him walk for a bigger fish.

  21. This tells me that Ayton is motivated to play. I believe he will probably have one of his best seasons this year. Is motivation is either to just be better or get paid, either way this will be like a contract year for him. After he gets his bag will be another story, but either way I’m excited for next season. Lakers just need at least another POA defender that can be a threat if left open and we are good and we would be a pretty competitive team. Maybe not favorites to win it all, but a team that nobody wants to face in 7 game series.

  22. no mention of Bron. wow Bill Duffy returning the favor. your move Klutch Sports Founder and CEO Rich Paul.

  23. Contract year Ayton with Luka is gonna be a problem – yall ain’t ready for that conversation.

    If the Lakers came somehow land a 3&D wing, I think they have finals potential. They still have a 1st they can spend

  24. He is not wrong! This actually shows some maturity by Ayton. He is actually a great fit for Luka if he is all in on this

  25. Let LeBron kick his ass so he may find his motor to play at a constant level.

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