DeAndre Ayton is heading into NBA free agency with doubts on his reputation. After a recent buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins made a bold statement on Ayton. Perkins’ harsh comments raised concerns about Ayton’s personality.
At 26, Ayton faced constant ups and downs in his career since the Suns drafted him first overall in 2018. Even though he offers physicality and rebounding, he has been charged with his on-court effort and attitude that traded him from Phoenix to Portland. Perkins further mentioned that the Portland Trail Blazers felt satisfied to trade him.
“The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton. Right now, he’s been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room, and if I’m Deandre Ayton, I gotta have a moment,” On First Take, Perkins said.” I gotta have someone speak the real to me because we’re talking about a former number one pick that didn’t work out with the Phoenix Suns, the team that drafted him number one.”
"The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton… right now he's been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room… he has to change a lot about himself or he will find his career being shortened."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 30, 2025
– Kendrick Perkins 😳pic.twitter.com/YJxhDgdWt4
Now, as a free agent, Ayton’s next destination could be a turning point. While the Lakers are reportedly showing interest, any team that acquires him will watch him closely if he is actually
able to put team success above personal issues.
The Portland Trail Blazers Finalized A Buy-Out Of Deandre Ayton
The Portland Trail Blazers made a buyout decision on Deandre Ayton’s $35.6 million contract. The decision turned the center into an unrestricted free agent and allowed rookies Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen more playing time.
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Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season. However, he struggled with consistency and effort throughout his career. He suffered the same issue not only with the Blazers but also in Phoenix. Balzers’ head coach, Chauncey Billups, benched him for a lack of contribution.
Now, Ayton will need to work on his weaknesses and make the most of the next opportunity to reset his career and rewrite his journey on a positive note.
Also Read: NBA Fans Convinced They Know Deandre Ayton’s Next Team As He Eyes Fresh Start With Title Contenders
