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 decision comes after a season where the 26-year-old posted averages of 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 56.6 from the field.

This marked his second season playing for the Trail Blazers following his acquisition in 2023 from the Suns in a trade involving Damian Lillard. 

According to Charania, this move provides Ayton, a former No. 1 pick and a player who reached the NBA Finals with the Suns, the opportunity for a fresh start as the Trail Blazers focus on developing their young center rotation.

Ayton had $35.6 million left on his contract, which would have expired next summer.

The former first-overall pick is free to sign with any team now, though any idea of a reunion with the Suns doesn’t appear realistic. 

PHNX Sports’ Gerald Bourguet reported that the Suns have “zero interest” in bringing Ayton back. 

Ayton was selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Suns in 2018 and was part of the Phoenix squad that helped the team reach the NBA Finals in 2021. 

The decision to part ways comes at a time when the Trail Blazers had a crowded center position after taking big men in the last two NBA drafts. 

Portland selected Donovan Clingan with the No. 7 overall pick in 2024 and Yang Hansen with the 16th overall pick in last week’s draft. 

Robert Williams III and Duop Reath are both under contract for the Trail Blazers, leaving things a bit murky for Ayton had he stayed.