ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported that Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent. This has led to increased speculation about Ayton potentially joining the Los Angeles Lakers, who are also in search of a key center.
The Lakers have recently shown interest in the Milwaukee Bucks’ Brook Lopez. However, reports indicate that Lopez will leave the Bucks to join the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year, $18 million deal. Meanwhile, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line revealed that the Lakers remain a “safe forecast” for Ayton.
“The safe forecast remains that Ayton winds up a Laker after clearing waivers,” Fischer wrote in his recent reports.
Deandre Ayton signing with the Lakers is reportedly the "safest forecast," but the Pacers loom after losing Myles Turner.https://t.co/x6C6p0tGaL
— LakeShow (@LakeShowCP) July 2, 2025
The Lakers had an impressive performance in the 2024-25 NBA season. However, their dominance ended in the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Indiana Pacers Are Showing Interest In Deandre Ayton
After ten seasons with the Indiana Pacers, Myles Turner’s time with the team has come to an end. ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported that the free-agent center has agreed to a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, which includes a player option for the fourth year (2028-29) and a full 15% trade kicker. This news has intensified speculation regarding the Pacers’ interest in acquiring Deandre Ayton.
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“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 Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
The Indiana Pacers are showing interest in Deandre Ayton, per @JakeLFischer
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) 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… pic.twitter.com/VAXc5VVcGD
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 40 games.
Also Read: Brian Windhorst Hints Deandre Ayton Could Be Lakers’ Next Big Move After Bucks Land Myles Turner
