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.

Portland joins Phoenix as teams that have calculated that Ayton’s baggage — a lack of health and maturity — isn’t worth his talent.

Center Deandre Ayton reportedly displayed a pattern of unbecoming behavior that led to the Portland Trail Blazers' decision to buy out the remainder of his contract Sunday.