NBA · 3 months ago

Top 5 Landing Spots for Former NBA Top Pick Deandre Ayton

John Canady

Host · Writer

5) Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have all eyes on them this offseason as they prepare to make moves, hoping to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo that they're serious about building a contending team around him. With Brook Lopez set to hit the open market, this offseason is a prime opportunity for the Bucks to get younger at the position and surround the Greek Freak with talent to make a run this season and beyond.

Obviously, it'll be a two-way street for a deal to get done, but if Milwaukee is serious about improving the roster, a move to sign Ayton would be a no-brainer.
Top 5 Landing Spots for Deandre Ayton
Deandre Ayton became a surprise addition to the list of available free agents after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers late on Sunday night. The former No. 1 overall pick entered the league with high expectations after a monster freshman season at Arizona. In his first few seasons with the Phoenix Suns, the versatile seven-footer showed plenty of flashes that encouraged the Suns to match an offer sheet Ayton signed with the Indiana Pacers in 2022.

Shortly after, Ayton found himself as part of a blockbuster trade that landed him in Portland, where he hoped he could rejuvenate his career. However, after two seasons with the Trail Blazers, the big man finds himself the odd man out after Portland's flurry of additions to the frontcourt over the last two offseasons.

Nonetheless, with NBA free agency set to begin at 6 PM ET on Monday, here's a look at five teams that make the most sense for Ayton.

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1) Los Angeles Lakers
When Ayton hit the open market, all eyes shifted to a potential fit with the Los Angeles Lakers. Rob Pelinka has made it clear that landing a reliable big man is a primary focus this offseason, and the timing for Ayton to become available couldn't have been better.

The 26-year-old is a servicable defender, an outstanding rebounder, and his ability to stretch the floor with his midrange game could be an intriguing prospect in the Lakers' system. Not to mention, he likely won't cost much given the Trail Blazers are set to pay him his $35 million this season.

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2) Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are another team with a glaring hole in the frontcourt following the departure of Kristaps Porzingis. Boston also may lose Al Horford and Luke Kornet, who are both free agents with a robust market. Ayton is reportedly looking to join a winning culture with the right offensive system that will allow him to showcase what he has to offer.

While the C's likely won't be viewed as a frontrunner to win the 2025-26 NBA Championship due to Jayson Tatum's injury, his fit with the Celtics could be beneficial for both sides. Boston could potentially land their center of the future if the fit works out, and Ayton could earn himself a payday with a winning franchise.
3) Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets continue to make moves that force you to wonder if they're closer than expected with the talent on the roster. As of now, Charles Lee's squad looks like a sleeper team in the East who could be in the play-in conversation or potentially better, depending on how they gel.

The Hornets' biggest area of concern is the lack of a reliable presence in the frontcourt, and Ayton could fix that problem. If all works out, he could find a long-term fit in Buzz City, considering he fits the timeline of the team's rebuild.
4) Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors seem like a sleeper team that could be interested in Ayton in free agency. Mike Dunleavy Jr. has reportedly been scanning the NBA landscape for an addition to the Dubs' frontcourt.

Ayton may not have been an option that they expected to be available, but given the news that he will be, it won't be a shock to see the Warriors front office pivot if there's mutual interest from both sides.
5) Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have all eyes on them this offseason as they prepare to make moves, hoping to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo that they're serious about building a contending team around him. With Brook Lopez set to hit the open market, this offseason is a prime opportunity for the Bucks to get younger at the position and surround the Greek Freak with talent to make a run this season and beyond.

Obviously, it'll be a two-way street for a deal to get done, but if Milwaukee is serious about improving the roster, a move to sign Ayton would be a no-brainer.
Top 5 Landing Spots for Deandre Ayton
Deandre Ayton became a surprise addition to the list of available free agents after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers late on Sunday night. The former No. 1 overall pick entered the league with high expectations after a monster freshman season at Arizona. In his first few seasons with the Phoenix Suns, the versatile seven-footer showed plenty of flashes that encouraged the Suns to match an offer sheet Ayton signed with the Indiana Pacers in 2022.

Shortly after, Ayton found himself as part of a blockbuster trade that landed him in Portland, where he hoped he could rejuvenate his career. However, after two seasons with the Trail Blazers, the big man finds himself the odd man out after Portland's flurry of additions to the frontcourt over the last two offseasons.

Nonetheless, with NBA free agency set to begin at 6 PM ET on Monday, here's a look at five teams that make the most sense for Ayton.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

Top 5 Landing Spots for Former NBA Top Pick Deandre Ayton

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