Another Center is seemingly available on the market, and the Lakers are obviously one of the teams to monitor the situation. In the weekend of constant updates from several teams, the LeBron James $52.6 million player option news stood out. But the Purple and Gold franchise is yet to sort out their perimeter problem and could have a chance with a free agent. Walker Kessler, Onyeka Okongwu, Nic Claxton, Robert Williams III, Clint Capela, Al Horford, and Brook Lopez are some of the reported names, and now add DeAndre Ayton to the list.

Shams Charania added, “Sudden addition to the free-agent market. This gives Deandre Ayton, a former No. 1 overall pick who went to the NBA Finals with the Suns, the chance to receive a fresh opportunity as the Trail Blazers build around their depth of young centers.” Portland selected center Hansen Yang at No. 16 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. It was a surprising decision, and it’s unclear how immediate Yang’s potential is as far as playing meaningful NBA minutes is concerned. But at the time, the signs pointed toward Ayton moving away, and now it’s clear.

Another move about the Center was when Utah shipped away Collin and a second-round pick to the Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic. It’s a head-scratching move, because Collin has been a much more valuable player than Nurkic. Averaging 18.4 points and 4.2 assists last season, it seems the Jazz front office believes more in Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr, the two additions from this year’s draft. So, the Jazz never really gained on the move.

On the other hand, DeAndre Ayton was entering the final season of his four-year, $133 million deal. His salary for the upcoming season was $35.5 million, though Bobby Marks of ESPN reports he can sign with any team after the buyout. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 40 games last season. The Nassau, Bahamas, native has career averages of 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in seven seasons with the Suns and Trail Blazers.

More information from an NBA insider as DeAndre Ayton becomes a free agent

In an interview in March, theta Portland Trail Blazers star opened up about his struggles with the new team. According to DeAndre Ayton, he was still adjusting to the offense and playing alongside new teammates. However, there were deeper reasons behind his struggles. The core reason behind his struggles is primarily his move to Rip City. The injuries didn’t help, as he was limited to just 40 games. But now a new future is on the horizon.

Brett Siegel, NBA Insider, added on X, “There are going to be a ton of teams pursuing Ayton once he clears waivers with Portland, especially if he’s willing to take a minimum-like deal. The former first-overall pick can still be an impactful player for a contending team. Huge news from Portland tonight. Lakers, Celtics, Warriors, and Bucks all have clear needs at the center position entering free agency tomorrow.”

Siegel also shared the financials for any team looking to add the 26-year-old. “How much money Ayton gives up in his buyout will determine what type of deal he’ll want as a free agent right now.It’s possible he winds up sacrificing somewhere in the ballpark of $10M to $15M, which aligns him to sign with a team at the MLE.” As stated previously, the Lakers are also in talks with Walker Kessler, amongst other players. So, who has a better chance of ending up on the roster?