A source close to Deandre Ayton said Tuesday that the Pacers would be “considered” as a potential landing spot. Ayton would be a challenge for the Pacers. He would have to demonstrate his ability to improve off the court and that he could again earn starter’s minutes on a team that still has high aspirations.
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
StatMuse @statmuse
Lakers’ big options:
Lopez — signs with Clippers
Capela — signs with Rockets
Turner — signs with Bucks
Kornet — signs with Spurs
Aldama — resigns with Grizzlies
Sharpe — resigns with Nets
Ayton — ??? pic.x.com/QD1fBkcoBQ – 1:33 PM
Lakers’ big options:
Lopez — signs with Clippers
Capela — signs with Rockets
Turner — signs with Bucks
Kornet — signs with Spurs
Aldama — resigns with Grizzlies
Sharpe — resigns with Nets
Ayton — ??? pic.x.com/QD1fBkcoBQ – 1:33 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Interest In Lillard? | Competition For Ayton | Guest: Bobby Marks x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 11:00 AM
Interest In Lillard? | Competition For Ayton | Guest: Bobby Marks x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 11:00 AM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Day 2 of 2025 Free Agency is in the books.
We break down every move from Duncan Robinson to Jonas Valančiūnas, the latest on Al Horford and Deandre Ayton, and which FAs still remain.
Subscribe with 35% off your first year with code mockoffseason2025
duncdon.supportingcast.fm – 12:29 AM
Day 2 of 2025 Free Agency is in the books.
We break down every move from Duncan Robinson to Jonas Valančiūnas, the latest on Al Horford and Deandre Ayton, and which FAs still remain.
Subscribe with 35% off your first year with code mockoffseason2025
duncdon.supportingcast.fm – 12:29 AM
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
I’m LIVE on the @SportingTrib’s X talking about NBA free agency, where Damian Lillard might end up and could he be in LA, when will Chris Paul sign with the Clippers, when will Deandre Ayton sign with the Lakers and who has the best chance to win a title? x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:17 AM
I’m LIVE on the @SportingTrib’s X talking about NBA free agency, where Damian Lillard might end up and could he be in LA, when will Chris Paul sign with the Clippers, when will Deandre Ayton sign with the Lakers and who has the best chance to win a title? x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:17 AM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Will Ayton Happen? | Laker Trade Rumors on Bigs | Chat About Pelinka x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 10:30 PM
Will Ayton Happen? | Laker Trade Rumors on Bigs | Chat About Pelinka x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 10:30 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Best free agents available by position
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Malik Beasley
SF: Jonathan Kuminga
PF: Chris Boucher
C: Deandre Ayton
hoopshype.com/lists/2025-nba… – 3:57 PM
Best free agents available by position
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Malik Beasley
SF: Jonathan Kuminga
PF: Chris Boucher
C: Deandre Ayton
hoopshype.com/lists/2025-nba… – 3:57 PM
Yossi Gozlan @YossiGozlan
Just went into a tangent on how the Pacers now have the full mid-level to offer Deandre Ayton.
Remember, they signed him to the four year max contract that he just got bought out of.
Come join the fun!
x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 1:59 PM
Just went into a tangent on how the Pacers now have the full mid-level to offer Deandre Ayton.
Remember, they signed him to the four year max contract that he just got bought out of.
Come join the fun!
x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 1:59 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Essentially, after Day 1, no question the Lakers are quiet. But if they end up with Ayton/solid C, Melton and LaRavia as the allocation of FA$, that’s about as good as can be expected. The rest of the improvement has to come through trades. That’s the box they’re in. BK – 1:53 AM
Essentially, after Day 1, no question the Lakers are quiet. But if they end up with Ayton/solid C, Melton and LaRavia as the allocation of FA$, that’s about as good as can be expected. The rest of the improvement has to come through trades. That’s the box they’re in. BK – 1:53 AM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Great show tonight breaking down the Lakers & Free Agency…
-DFS To Rockets | 4yr Deal Too Long
-LaRavia Signing | Cheaper/Younger Option
-Must Sign Ayton
-Lebron Chatter Continues
youtube.com/watch?v=T-2toz… – 1:11 AM
Great show tonight breaking down the Lakers & Free Agency…
-DFS To Rockets | 4yr Deal Too Long
-LaRavia Signing | Cheaper/Younger Option
-Must Sign Ayton
-Lebron Chatter Continues
youtube.com/watch?v=T-2toz… – 1:11 AM
Frank Madden @fmaddenNBA
Just finished recording late night pod with @JustinGarciaNBA and @CamilleMonae. Brook appreciation, GTJ/KPJ/Prince deal dissection, Ayton speculation, Giannis trade exhaustion, and a tee up for the remainder of free agency…. – 1:05 AM
Just finished recording late night pod with @JustinGarciaNBA and @CamilleMonae. Brook appreciation, GTJ/KPJ/Prince deal dissection, Ayton speculation, Giannis trade exhaustion, and a tee up for the remainder of free agency…. – 1:05 AM
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
I’m LIVE on the @SportingTrib’s X talking about NBA free agency and what the Lakers and Clippers are doing and not doing. We have insights on what’s happening with LeBron James, what happened with Dorian Finney-Smith and what may happen with Deandre Ayton. x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:19 AM
I’m LIVE on the @SportingTrib’s X talking about NBA free agency and what the Lakers and Clippers are doing and not doing. We have insights on what’s happening with LeBron James, what happened with Dorian Finney-Smith and what may happen with Deandre Ayton. x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 12:19 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
If I were Indiana, I’d just run it back.
A thought that occurs to me if they’re hesitant to pay Myles Turner for any reason: double sign-and-trade with Golden State for Kuminga+picks, then sign Ayton like they tried to in 2022.
Would have to shed other money to make this work. – 11:35 PM
If I were Indiana, I’d just run it back.
A thought that occurs to me if they’re hesitant to pay Myles Turner for any reason: double sign-and-trade with Golden State for Kuminga+picks, then sign Ayton like they tried to in 2022.
Would have to shed other money to make this work. – 11:35 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Still No Center | DFS To Rockets | LaRavia To Lakers | Must Get Ayton x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 11:30 PM
Still No Center | DFS To Rockets | LaRavia To Lakers | Must Get Ayton x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 11:30 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Are the stars aligning for Deandre Ayton to go to the Lakers?
@DarthAmin tells @talkhoops why he thinks so.
Listen to NBA Radio’s LIVE Free Agent Special Now
sxm.app.link/nbaradiolive pic.x.com/XuorMy2DCe – 10:39 PM
Are the stars aligning for Deandre Ayton to go to the Lakers?
@DarthAmin tells @talkhoops why he thinks so.
Listen to NBA Radio’s LIVE Free Agent Special Now
sxm.app.link/nbaradiolive pic.x.com/XuorMy2DCe – 10:39 PM
Ric Bucher @RicBucher
Lakers fans: your team supposedly is meeting w/Brook Lopez & Clint Capela today but also have interest in DeAndre Ayton. Who do you want to see in purple&gold? – 2:02 PM
Lakers fans: your team supposedly is meeting w/Brook Lopez & Clint Capela today but also have interest in DeAndre Ayton. Who do you want to see in purple&gold? – 2:02 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
When is the last time a young (7-yr, 7-ft center) was waived averaging a double-double(16 & ten, 59% FG, 75FT)? Ever? I have no clue why the Blazers felt compelled to release Deandre Ayton. I do know when I was around him for half his rookie year, he was utterly respectful to me! – 11:41 AM
When is the last time a young (7-yr, 7-ft center) was waived averaging a double-double(16 & ten, 59% FG, 75FT)? Ever? I have no clue why the Blazers felt compelled to release Deandre Ayton. I do know when I was around him for half his rookie year, he was utterly respectful to me! – 11:41 AM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
Does Lebron Want Out? | Deandre Ayton Potential Fit | Free Agency Begins x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 11:00 AM
Does Lebron Want Out? | Deandre Ayton Potential Fit | Free Agency Begins x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 11:00 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Bobby Portis Jr. is staying with the Milwaukee Bucks on a three-year contract extension
Jabari Smith Jr. and Julius Randle reach agreements with the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves
🛑 Portland Trail Blazers release Deandre Ayton
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/18… – 3:16 AM
Bobby Portis Jr. is staying with the Milwaukee Bucks on a three-year contract extension
Jabari Smith Jr. and Julius Randle reach agreements with the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves🛑 Portland Trail Blazers release Deandre Ayton
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/18… – 3:16 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Deandre Ayton to Become Free Agent After Blazers Buyout sportando.basketball/en/deandre-ayt… – 3:00 AM
Deandre Ayton to Become Free Agent After Blazers Buyout sportando.basketball/en/deandre-ayt… – 3:00 AM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Sources: Portland had trade discussions with several teams interested in Deandre Ayton. However, the Trail Blazers made it clear they didn’t want to take on any multi-year contracts in return, which made it challenging to find contracts and players to match his $35 million salary – 2:13 AM
Sources: Portland had trade discussions with several teams interested in Deandre Ayton. However, the Trail Blazers made it clear they didn’t want to take on any multi-year contracts in return, which made it challenging to find contracts and players to match his $35 million salary – 2:13 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I’m pro-Deandre Ayton for the Lakers. I think in their position, it made sense to take a talent swing and hope your culture can get the most out of him. There’s a chance you hit a home run with him. That chance didn’t exist with Capela or Brook. – 12:40 AM
I’m pro-Deandre Ayton for the Lakers. I think in their position, it made sense to take a talent swing and hope your culture can get the most out of him. There’s a chance you hit a home run with him. That chance didn’t exist with Capela or Brook. – 12:40 AM
Yossi Gozlan @YossiGozlan
ICYMI
@SamQuinnCBS and I reacted to the Deandre Ayton buyout as it was reported in real time. We pinpointed about a dozen teams that make sense with the Lakers as the most likely suitor.
We also went over the four most logical LeBron James teams, and more! pic.x.com/MJ9bTl5P48 – 12:26 AM
ICYMI
@SamQuinnCBS and I reacted to the Deandre Ayton buyout as it was reported in real time. We pinpointed about a dozen teams that make sense with the Lakers as the most likely suitor.
We also went over the four most logical LeBron James teams, and more! pic.x.com/MJ9bTl5P48 – 12:26 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
The context around Ayton vs. ________ changes a ton when you don’t have to send out multiple players to make the math work. BK – 12:09 AM
The context around Ayton vs. ________ changes a ton when you don’t have to send out multiple players to make the math work. BK – 12:09 AM
Justin Verrier @JustinVerrier
I think Deandre Ayton has a JaVale McGree track in him. Just a giant athlete belied by his unseriousness. Having to play through minimums might streamline his game the way CP did for him in 2021. – 11:48 PM
I think Deandre Ayton has a JaVale McGree track in him. Just a giant athlete belied by his unseriousness. Having to play through minimums might streamline his game the way CP did for him in 2021. – 11:48 PM
Yossi Gozlan @YossiGozlan
This stream became Deandre Ayton hour. We just went through the exercise of identifying all the potential teams.
x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 11:26 PM
This stream became Deandre Ayton hour. We just went through the exercise of identifying all the potential teams.
x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 11:26 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Deandre Ayton is the only player in NBA history to average
15+ PPG
60+ FG%
in the playoffs. pic.x.com/1KzfZ0toCE – 10:58 PM
Deandre Ayton is the only player in NBA history to average
15+ PPG
60+ FG%
in the playoffs. pic.x.com/1KzfZ0toCE – 10:58 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Highest FG% by a player to average 15/10:
59.9 — MVP
59.0 — Deandre Ayton
58.7 — 3x DPOY
58.2 — 3x FMVP pic.x.com/hrazIZDtYa – 10:51 PM
Highest FG% by a player to average 15/10:
59.9 — MVP
59.0 — Deandre Ayton
58.7 — 3x DPOY
58.2 — 3x FMVP pic.x.com/hrazIZDtYa – 10:51 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Ayton to the Lakers would be fitting after the legacy of acquiring talented but frustrating centers they’ve built. – 10:40 PM
Ayton to the Lakers would be fitting after the legacy of acquiring talented but frustrating centers they’ve built. – 10:40 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Before anyone asks, the Suns have zero interest in a potential reunion with Deandre Ayton, per a source – 10:40 PM
Before anyone asks, the Suns have zero interest in a potential reunion with Deandre Ayton, per a source – 10:40 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Deandre Ayton is free to sign with any team despite earning greater than $14.1M+.
The waiver restriction for second apron teams only applies during the regular season.
He had $35.6M left on an expiring contract. – 10:37 PM
Deandre Ayton is free to sign with any team despite earning greater than $14.1M+.
The waiver restriction for second apron teams only applies during the regular season.
He had $35.6M left on an expiring contract. – 10:37 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Deandre Ayton in two seasons with Portland:
— 15.7 PPG
— 10.7 RPG
— 56.9 FG%
Which team could use him? pic.x.com/ab90MOlj7j – 10:37 PM
Deandre Ayton in two seasons with Portland:
— 15.7 PPG
— 10.7 RPG
— 56.9 FG%
Which team could use him? pic.x.com/ab90MOlj7j – 10:37 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. pic.x.com/DNYcNqRvkW – 10:35 PM
Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. pic.x.com/DNYcNqRvkW – 10:35 PM
More on this storyline
Marc Stein: Multiple interested teams expect Deandre Ayton to commit to the Lakers after he clears waivers today at 5 PM ET, league sources tell @JakeLFischer and me. More free agency coverage from us: http://tinyurl.com/aumvajdf -via x.com / July 2, 2025
Sources say that the Pacers have, however, registered interest in Ayton. Don’t forget that the contract Ayton just terminated through his Blazers buyout was a four-year, $133 offer sheet that he originally signed with Indiana in July 2022 as a Phoenix Suns restricted free agent. -via marcstein.substack.com / July 2, 2025
Also, I’m told the Lakers are shifting toward a new idea: youth and athleticism. That fits DeAndre Ayton. Look at the teams in the Finals—Pacers and Thunder. They had young, switchable defenders coming at you in waves. The Lakers want a center who fits that model.” -via YouTube / July 2, 2025