The Los Angeles Lakers will give Deandre Ayton his chance to play in a winning environment for the first time since 2023. He wanted out of Phoenix (subscription required) and was traded to Portland in the deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Bucks. The Blazers won just 57 games in two years and missed the postseason twice. It was a massive change for Ayton.
The seven-footer helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021 and anchored their defense to three straight playoff appearances. Phoenix won at least one round every year, but Ayton was unhappy with Monty Williams and further marginalized after the head coach's departure by the Suns acquiring Kevin Durant.