The Portland Path Blazers had publicly lauded middle Deandre Ayton’s work with rookie middle Donovan Clingan final season. Behind the scenes, the Blazers had bored with Ayton’s dangerous habits.
Ayton was reportedly late to practices and flights, and would skip rehab appointments, all through his tenure in Portland. The Blazers additionally did not like Ayton’s angle when he was faraway from video games, particularly when the veteran middle wasn’t displaying the right quantity of effort.
Partially, not desirous to take care of Ayton being round younger facilities Clingan and 2025 draftee Yang Hansen, Portland was open to working a buyout. In the long run, the Path Blazers opened a roster spot, saved a reported $10 million, and cleared out middle minutes for the younger duo.