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.

Former Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton reportedly gave up $10 million of the $35.6 million he was owed in the final year of his contract as part of his buyout agreement with the Blazers, according to NBA reporter Jake Fischer.

The Portland Trail Blazers will save roughly $10 million after buying out the contract of center Deandre Ayton. But don’t expect that to lead to a frenzy of free agent spending.