DiAndre Ayton, who will turn 27 next month, is about to become a free agent after the Portland Trail Blazers bought out his contract. His base contract worth $35.6 million expires next summer, and now Ayton can sign with any team, including those with salary cap restrictions, even though he currently earns $14.1 million. Portland acquired him in September as part of a massive three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee. On average, Ayton posted 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, with an impressive shooting percentage of 56.6%. He was the first overall pick in the draft, ahead of players like Marvin Bagley, Luka Dončić, and others, and helped the Phoenix Suns reach the NBA Finals. He is the first player since Dwight Howard to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first seven NBA seasons. Now that Portland has decided to part ways with him, the big question is where Ayton will continue his career and whether he can find a more competitive team. Is this the end of an era or just the start of a new adventure? Drop your thoughts in the comments and tell us where you think Ayton will land!
