Los Angeles Lakers Sign DeAndre Ayton and Bring Jaxon Hayes Back
There’s a ton of action going down this week in the NBA. Blink and you very well could miss something. Case in point, just four days ago it became clear that Deandre Ayton would become a free agent after a Trail Blazers buyout. However, now he officially has a new organization to call home. The Los Angeles Lakers have signed DeAndre Ayton and have also decided to bring center Jaxon Hayes back on a one year deal.
Yes, on Sunday Portland revealed that Deandre Ayton was finalizing a contract buyout with the Trail Blazers to become a free agent. Thus, giving Ayton, a former No. 1 overall pick who went to the NBA Finals with the Suns; the chance to receive a fresh opportunity as the Trail Blazers build around their depth of young centers. Who got the party started when it came to this move? Apparently, Ayton and those representing him.
DeAndre had $35.6 million left on a contract that was set to expire next summer. Nonetheless, sources revealed that Ayton and his representatives approached the Trail Blazers about a buyout; due to Ayton wanting to play in a winning situation. Several teams would obviously be interested in acquiring DeAndre. With the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors being at the top of the list. However, flash forward to now and Ayton is going to be a member of the purple and gold.
ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news on DeAndre Ayton joining LA. He states,
“BREAKING: Deandre Ayton has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Between Portland and L.A., Ayton will earn $34 million next season. Agents Nima Namakian of Innovate Sports and Bill Duffy of WME Sports reached the deal with Lakers president Rob Pelinka.
The Lakers find their starting center in Ayton, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick who is the only player in NBA history to average 15+ points and 60%+ shooting in the postseason. He has career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds on 59% shooting over the last seven seasons. Ayton will sign a two-year deal with the Lakers, with a player option.”
Los Angeles Lakers Sign DeAndre Ayton and Bring Jaxon Hayes Back
But LA would not be finished. Less than 24 hours later the franchise made another decision. The Lakers would bring back Jaxson Hayes for another season. Thursday afternoon Charania reported,
“Free agent center Jaxson Hayes has agreed on a one-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Hayes’ agents, Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of WME Basketball, finalized a contract with Lakers president Rob Pelinka on Thursday.
Hayes emerged as the Lakers starting center last season and shot a career high 72.2% from the field and finished top-10 in field goal percentage allowed as contesting defender on layups and dunks among players to contest 250+ shots. Now he backs up new Lakers big man Deandre Ayton.”
Nice. The Lakers are moving shaking. Giving stars Luka Doncic and Lebron James more to work with in hopes of bringing another championship to LA.
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