Deandre Ayton quickly secured a new team after the Portland Trail Blazers bought out his contract earlier this offseason. The Los Angeles Lakers, in urgent need of a reliable starting center, signed the Bahamian player to a fully guaranteed deal.
Ayton agreed to a two-year contract valued at $16.6 million, with the entire amount guaranteed, according to Spotrac. His base salary will be $8,097,561 for the 2025-26 season and $8,502,439 for the 2026-27 season, the latter including a player option that allows Ayton to decide whether to continue with the Lakers or explore free agency.
Before this agreement, Ayton was finishing the final year of his four-year, $132.9 million deal and was scheduled to earn $35.6 million for the 2025-26 season. Combining his buyout from Portland with his Lakers salary, he is set to earn approximately $33.7 million this season overall.
For salary cap purposes, Ayton carries a cap hit and dead cap value of $8,097,561 for the upcoming season. This contract offers the Lakers financial flexibility while addressing their critical need for a quality center on the roster.
Overview of Ayton’s NBA Earnings and Career Progression
Deandre Ayton entered the NBA as the top pick of the 2018 draft class, which included notable players like Luka Dončić and Trae Young. He initially signed a four-year rookie deal worth $40 million with the Phoenix Suns, quickly emerging as a powerful presence in the paint.
After his rookie contract, Ayton secured a four-year extension valued at $132.9 million starting in 2022. However, he did not finish this contract in Phoenix, as he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers before the 2023-24 season in a major trade involving Damian Lillard moving to Milwaukee.
Ayton spent two seasons with Portland, where he averaged 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds across 95 games. The Blazers eventually opted for a buyout, allowing Ayton to sign with the Lakers.
To date, Ayton’s career earnings have reached $137,159,862. With the conclusion of his current two-year deal in Los Angeles, his total earnings are projected to rise to $179,310,676.
Financial Standing and Off-Court Value of Deandre Ayton
Ayton’s net worth as of 2025 is estimated at about $35 million, stemming largely from his NBA salaries. Over eight years in the league, he has also expanded his financial portfolio through endorsements and investments.
He maintains sponsorship relationships with companies including Puma, Champs, AT&T, and NBA2K. His recent move to the Lakers, one of the most high-profile NBA franchises, is expected to boost his marketability and attract further endorsement deals in the Los Angeles area.
Despite being traded twice and experiencing a buyout, Ayton’s career decisions have demonstrated strong financial planning, consistently securing guaranteed contracts. The player option in his current deal allows him the flexibility to remain with the Lakers or test the free-agent market again in 2026-27.
Implications of Ayton’s Lakers Contract for His Future
Signing with the Lakers provides Ayton a chance to solidify his role as a starting center on a team with championship aspirations. His contract offers the Lakers a cost-effective solution in the frontcourt, balancing roster needs with salary cap concerns.
The player option in the second year lets Ayton assess his fit with the team and marketplace value, providing strategic options as his career advances. His presence in Los Angeles could also enhance his profile, both on the court and commercially, leading to new opportunities beyond basketball.