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.

Jason McIntyre doesn't feel that calling Deandre Ayton one of the best bigs in the NBA is that much of a stretch.

ESPN's Kendrick Perkins disagrees with the notion that the newly signed Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton struggled during his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers because he was a winning player put in a losing situation.

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton said that criticism of him "fuels me" as he spoke with reporters during his introductory press conference on Tuesday (h/t Khobi Price of So Cal News Group).

With Deandre Ayton expected to be bought out by the Portland Trailblazers, here are three teams that would be an ideal fit for the seven-year big man’s services.

A Fox Sports analyst compared Lakers center Deandre Ayton with Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic when it comes to their overall talent.

The Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly had trade talks with the Los Angeles Lakers. The purple and gold are targeting a $48 million big man to add to their