2018 First Overall Pick Signs Deal with the Lakers
Nearly two years ago, the first overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, Deandre Ayton, was traded from the Phoenix Suns in a three-team deal, which landed Ayton with the Portland Trail Blazers. On June 29th, Portland and Ayton reached a contract buyout, making the former number one pick an unrestricted free agent. According to Jason Quick of The Athletic, Ayton was late to practices and flights, while also skipping rehab appointments. The Blazers were tired of this, as they’re looking to rebuild themselves back up as a playoff contender. It has now been reported by ESPN that the 26-year-old center has signed a two-year contract with the Lakers worth $16 million.
Ayton was selected as the first overall pick by the Suns during the 2018 NBA Draft. He became Phoenix’s first and only first overall selection in the franchise’s history. During his rookie season, Ayton was a finalist for the Rookie of the Year Award, but the award was given to Luka Dončić. At the beginning of his sophomore season, the former first overall pick was suspended for 25 games after testing positive for a diuretic, violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. The 26-year-old center improved upon his rookie and sophomore seasons, and his NBA career started to rise, especially during his third season in the league, when he helped the Suns make their first NBA Finals appearance in nearly 30 years. Even though the Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. The following season, Ayton helped the Suns reach the best record in the NBA that season, finishing the regular season at 64-18. Phoenix and its center were unable to agree to a contract extension, but eventually Ayton signed a four-year $133 million extension. In September 2023, Ayton, along with Toumani Camara and a 2029 first-round pick, were traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as well as Jrue Holiday as part of a three-team deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, and Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkić, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson to the Suns.
This past season, the 2018 first overall pick played just 40 games with the Blazers. He was certainly one player from around the league who needed a bounce-back season. Yet, he averaged 30 minutes a game and recorded roughly 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. On February 3rd, during a matchup with his former team, the 26-year-old center put up 25 points, along with 20 rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block during a 121-119 win over the Suns. Ayton will try to get his career back with the Lakers, prove he’s better than what was shown in Portland, and make his stamp within the league.
