Deandre Ayton had a strong finish to the 2023-24 season, which gave Trail Blazers fans some optimism that he finally found his footing in Portland and would pick up where he left off entering 2024-25.
Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case, as Ayton is having a down year across the board. The former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 13.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, all of which are career lows. To make matters worse, Ayton has shown inconsistent effort at times throughout the season, most recently presumably getting called out by a fellow former Blazer and Arizona Wildcat, Channing Frye.
The "DominAyton" experiment hasn't been going well in Portland, and it's becoming increasingly apparent that Donovan Clingan should be their starting center of the future. However, the more difficult issue lies in figuring out a team that is willing and able to trade for Ayton.
His productivity doesn't justify the contract ($34 million this season and $35.6 million in 2025-26), and the new CBA makes it hard to make a deal even work financially for a salary that large. Because of this, an Ayton deal seems more likely to be made in the offseason rather than before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
But there are a few teams in need of a roster shake-up that could make sense as a possible landing spot, whether that's at the deadline or in the summer.
3. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans' need for an upgrade at the center position isn't as dire since No. 21 overall pick Yves Missi looks like a promising rookie. Missi averages 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks and has been the lone bright spot in a disappointing season for the 10-32 Pelicans.
As good as Missi has been, he's still extremely raw and unpolished offensively. He's an excellent rim-runner and lob threat, given his 6-foot-11 frame and athleticism, but Missi doesn't contribute much outside of the paint. Ayton would add another dimension as one of the best midrange-shooting big men in the league.
If the Pelicans are intrigued by the one-two punch of Ayton and Missi, they have various avenues to make it happen. Brandon Ingram is on a $36 million expiring deal, and there's a chance that he'll be elsewhere next season. Meanwhile, 33-year-old CJ McCollum is a trade candidate as he no longer fits the retooling Pelicans' timeline. That's another $33.3 million.
Neither of these players necessarily makes sense for Portland's timeline, either -- this is more to emphasize the flexibility they have to get a trade done and take on Ayton's massive contract.
2. Washington Wizards
The Blazers could learn something about tanking from the Washington Wizards, who have the worst record in the league at 6-33. Similarly to Portland, Washington has several veterans who are trade candidates, including Kyle Kuzma, Jonas Valanciunas, and Malcolm Brogdon. With the two teams having half-baked rosters, they may find another trade that works for both parties.
Jordan Poole's $29.7 million contract is the best match financially with Ayton, who is at $34 million. However, it wouldn't be in Portland's best interest to go from seemingly one negative asset to another. Poole has an overlapping skillset to Anfernee Simons and is on the books through 2026-27, one year longer than Ayton.
Still, a trade with Washington could make sense, given they have so many movable players, making it relatively easier to make a deal work financially.
1. Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are the only team in the NBA with a positive salary cap space at $14 million. That alone puts them in consideration for acquiring Ayton, especially considering his contract, which will be more challenging for other teams to make a trade work.
After finishing 2023-24 with just 14 wins, Detroit sits at 21-20 halfway through the 2024-25 season. The Pistons could be buyers at the deadline because of their record and Cade Cunningham's All-Star ascension.
Ayton seems more likely to be moved in the summer, but if there's a team well-positioned to trade for him before Feb. 6, it's the Pistons, one of the NBA's best stories so far this season.