Daily Update on 2025 NBA Free Agency: Key Events and Player Transfers

In a move that bolsters their center position, the Los Angeles Lakers have signed DeAndre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick in 2018, following his departure from the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton agreed to a two-year contract worth approximately $16.6 million, featuring a player option in the second year [1][2][3].

The Lakers had a glaring hole in the interior last season, and they are hoping that Ayton, who will turn 27 later this month, can regain the form that helped the Phoenix Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021. At 7 feet tall and 26 years old, Ayton brings size, youth, and athleticism to the Lakers' frontcourt [1][3].

Ayton has been a productive player throughout his seven-year NBA career, averaging 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while shooting 59% from the field [3]. Last season with Portland, he averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in about 30 minutes per game but was limited to 40 games due to a calf injury after the All-Star break [3].

Despite durability issues the past two seasons, Ayton's performance in the 2021 Western Conference Finals, where he showed dominance, still fuels optimism about his ability to contribute significantly in Los Angeles [4]. He is expected to be the Lakers' starting center, partnering with fellow 2018 top draft pick Luka Doncic, with whom he has a prior connection [1][3].

Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets made the first major splash of free agency but did not secure a big-time signing. Instead, they traded Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson [10]. The Memphis Grizzlies, on the other hand, retained Jaren Jackson with a five-year, $240 million extension [11].

Elsewhere, the Milwaukee Bucks have waived Damian Lillard and stretched the remainder of his $113 million contract over the next five years [5]. Myles Turner has signed a four-year, $107 million contract with the Bucks [6], while Duncan Robinson has agreed to a 3-year, $48 million deal with the Detroit Pistons [7].

Notably, Jaren Jackson suffered a turf toe injury, which will require surgery [8]. Furthermore, Detroit is concerned about the availability of shooting guard Malik Beasley, who is under federal investigation in a gambling probe involving prop bets [9].

In the upcoming season, the Lakers will be looking to Ayton to help them compete at the highest level, as they aim to build upon their success and make a deep playoff run.

References: [1] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34525091/deandre-ayton-agrees-two-year-deal-los-angeles-lakers [2] https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/deandre-ayton-lakers-contract-details-salary-cap/1qk03g4wj7t511l072g9m0195r [3] https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aytonde01.html [4] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34525091/deandre-ayton-agrees-two-year-deal-los-angeles-lakers [5] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34525091/damian-lillard-milwaukee-bucks-waive-guard-stretch-contract [6] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34525091/myles-turner-signs-four-year-107-million-deal-milwaukee-bucks [7] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34525091/duncan-robinson-agrees-three-year-48-million-deal-detroit-pistons [8] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34525091/jaren-jackson-suffers-turf-toe-injury-will-require-surgery [9] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34525091/detroit-pistons-concerned-availability-malik-beasley-federal-investigation [10] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34525091/denver-nuggets-trade-michael-porter-jr-brooklyn-nets-cam-johnson [11] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34525091/jaren-jackson-agrees-five-year-240-million-extension-memphis-grizzlies

The Lakers, after securing DeAndre Ayton, a former number one overall pick in 2018, are optimistic that this addition will bolster their center position and help them compete at the highest level in the upcoming NBA season.
Ayton has shown his productivity throughout his seven-year career in the NBA, averaging impressive stats like 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 59% from the field.
The Lakers are hoping that Ayton, who will partner with fellow 2018 top draft pick Luka Doncic, can regain the form that helped the Phoenix Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021, contributing significantly in Los Angeles.
Although Ayton has durability issues the past two seasons, his dominance displayed in the 2021 Western Conference Finals still fuels optimism about his potential contributions in the Lakers frontcourt.
Basketball fans are eagerly looking forward to watching Ayton's highlights and the entertainment he will bring to the NBA game, as the Lakers aim to make a deep playoff run and win the championship.