Ayton was traded in a package that included forward Toumani Camara for center Jusuf Nurkic, forward Nassir Little, guard Keon Johnson and guard Grayson Allen, acquired when the Blazers sent Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks for Holiday and picks.

The first overall pick of the 2018 Draft, Ayton has averaged over 10 rebounds per game in each of his seven seasons in the league. He played a key role with his first team, the Phoenix Suns, reaching the NBA Finals in 2021 where they lost to the eventual-champion Milwaukee Bucks in six games.

The Portland Trail Blazers have bought out Deandre Ayton's contract, and Jabari Walker has not been extended a qualifying offer, as free-agency negotiations are set to begin on Monday.