NBA contract buyouts are uncommon, but the Portland Trail Blazers and center Deandre Ayton have become a rare exception this offseason. In a surprising development for the league, Ayton plans to enter free agency after Portland agreed to buy out his contract.
While the official decision is expected to be finalized soon, the former first overall pick immediately becomes one of the biggest names on the free agent market, especially in a league increasingly valuing size and post play. Before Ayton chooses his next destination, we examine his career through a financial lens, from his rookie deal to his recent buyout.
Deandre Ayton’s Journey Through Contracts
Deandre Ayton entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in a star-studded 2018 draft class, which included Luka Dončić and Trae Young. He quickly established himself as a dominant big man for the Phoenix Suns.
His initial four-year, rookie-scale deal concluded with a flourish, as he played a critical role in the Suns’ run to the 2021 NBA Finals. During that playoff campaign, he even hit a memorable buzzer-beater, propelling his team toward the championship series.
Following his successful rookie contract, Ayton signed a new extension that began in 2022. This substantial deal was worth four years and approximately $132.9 million. However, the seven-footer did not complete the full term of his contract with Phoenix. He was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers before the 2023 season as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Ayton spent two seasons with the Trail Blazers, and was set to enter the final year of the four-year deal he originally signed with the Suns. Yet, the situation changed dramatically when the Trail Blazers agreed to a contract buyout, as reported by Shams Charania. This agreement paves the way for Ayton to enter the competitive free agent market.
Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/DNYcNqRvkW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
With prominent teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors currently lacking a traditional center option, Ayton, who boasts career averages of roughly 16 points and 10 rebounds, is expected to generate significant interest.
Deandre Ayton’s Career Earnings and Net Worth
Since entering the league as a highly touted prospect, Ayton has signed two significant contracts. His initial rookie deal was valued at four years and approximately $40 million. This was followed by his maximum extension, the very contract Portland is now buying out.
Through these contracts, Ayton has already accumulated total career earnings of $137,159,862. If the Trail Blazers complete the buyout, Ayton is expected to receive an additional $35,550,814, bringing his grand total career earnings to an impressive $172,710,676.
As of 2025, Ayton’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $35 million, according to various tracking websites. With eight years of NBA experience under his belt, a substantial portion of this wealth comes directly from his basketball salary. Additionally, he has become a recognizable figure for various brand endorsements and investments.
He has previously established partnerships with companies such as Puma, Champs, AT&T, and NBA2K. With his contract buyout and subsequent entry into a new market, especially with reports linking him to high-profile franchises like the Warriors and Lakers, this estimated net worth could see a considerable increase in the coming years.