The veteran center instantly becomes a surprise addition to a free agent market thinned by reported re-signings. The 26-year-old big man is coming off arguably the poorest season of his career, tying a career low in scoring (14.4 ppg) while playing in just 40 games with Portland last season.

The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to buy out the final year of center Deandre Ayton ’s contract, making him a free agent, an NBA source has confirmed to The Oregonian/OregonLive.

The Trail Blazers recently made a shocking decision to buy out the contract of Deandre Ayton. Recently, insight was given on what led to the former number one overall pick departing Portland. MORE: Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts on social media to wild Myles Turner, Damian Lillard news