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.

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).

Deandre Ayton will be looking for a new team. Ayton and the Trail Blazers are finalizing a contract buyout in a surprise move, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported late Sunday night. The move comes following a season in which the 26-year-old averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks while shooting 56.6 percent from the field.