<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/portland-trail-blazers/the-move-portland-trail-blazers-still-must-make-in-2025-nba-free-agency');   ga('set', 'title', 'The move Portland Trail Blazers still must make in 2025 NBA free agency');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-move-Portland-Trail-Blazers-still-must-make-in-2025-NBA-free-agency.jpg"></figure><h1>The move Portland Trail Blazers still must make in 2025 NBA free agency</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-07-09T23:23:39-07:00">July 9th, 11:23pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-07-09T23:23:39-07:00">July 9th, 11:23pm</time><address><a href="https://letterboxd.com/splooshpuhrty/films/by/your-rating/">Jedd Pagaduan</a>Jedd Pagaduan is a certified Clippers and Gunners fan, which means he's a very sports-traumatized individual. He now writes about sports instead as a form of therapy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Portland Trail Blazers are assembling an up-and-coming in the Pacific Northwest, and after a strong end to last season, they finished with 36 wins, putting them to within striking distance of a play-in tournament spot. And their young core is only getting better, with Deni Avdija blossoming into an all-around force, Shaedon Sharpe making strides on both ends of the floor, Toumani Camara developing into one of the best defenders in the league, and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-chaucey-billups-issues-challenge-to-scoot-henderson">Scoot Henderson set to get an opportunity</a> to be the team’s full-time starter at the point.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/boston-celtics/celtics-news-jrue-holiday-anfernee-simons-trade-blazers-catch">Blazers also acquired Jrue Holiday</a> to be the veteran leader of the team, someone who’s played winning basketball across multiple stops who elevates Portland’s defense even further. It should not come as a surprise to anyone if the Blazers come out of the gates firing next season and if they sustain that level of play to challenge for a playoff spot even in the stacked Western Conference.</p><p>But while things may be looking up for the Blazers, there are still some things they’re going to have to address moving forward. Finding a taker for these two players should be the priority for the Portland front office as we head deeper into free agency period.</p><h2><b>Blazers must trade at least one of Robert Williams III or Jerami Grant</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jerami-Grant-hunched-over.jpg"><figcaption>© Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>Last season, the Blazers were involved in plenty of trade rumors, especially when they had such a logjam at center after drafting Donovan Clingan despite already having Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III on the roster. Duop Reath isn’t too shabby of a bench piece either.</p><p>Williams, in particular, was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-trade-proposal-for-robert-williams-after-deandre-ayton-buyout">drawing plenty of interest on the trade market</a>, with teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, to name a few, reportedly debating whether or not it was worth it to trade for the oft-injured big man. In the end, the Blazers kept him around.</p><p>But now, Williams is in the <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/26993/robert-williams-iii" rel="noopener">final year</a> of his contract, making $13.3 million, and it’s of the essence for the Blazers to decide whether or not they’d keep 27-year-old around or decide to instead get as many assets as they can for him in a trade. Williams, however, has minimal value; he only played in 20 games last season and he continues to be as big of an injury risk as there is in the NBA.</p><p>Thus, there’s a chance that the Blazers simply play things out with Williams, keeping him around to be insurance in case Clingan gets injured or finds himself in foul trouble or if their 2025 first-round pick, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-rookie-yang-hansen-drops-quote-life-away-basketball">Hansen Yang, ends up proving all of his doubters right</a>.</p><p>The Jerami Grant situation is a bit more tricky for the Blazers to navigate. Giving him <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/jerami-grant-grading-blazers-5-year-160-million-contract-in-2023-nba-free-agency">a five-year, $160 million contract</a> in 2023 was a big mistake, and it looks like an even worse error now that there’s no way he’s going to get his starting position back from Camara or Avdija or Sharpe.</p><p>Grant has three more years left on his huge deal, and he’s also been conspicuously absent for good chunk of the past few seasons. He played just 47 games this past season and was bad whenever he was in the lineup.</p><p>He’s coming off a terrible season in which he averaged just 14.4 points on a ghastly 37.3 percent shooting from the field (which he sort of rescued by shooting 36.5 percent from three on 6.3 attempts a night), and at <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/15391/jerami-grant" rel="noopener">a price point</a> of over $32 million a season (increasing to $34 million in 2026 and $36 million in 2027), the Blazers, for better or for worse, are stuck with him.</p><p>At the very least, the Blazers’ <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/yearly" rel="noopener">ledger is looking clear</a> other than the bad contract of Grant and the heavy cap hit they took when they acquired Holiday. They can clear so much cap space in 2026, although they’re going to fill that quickly when they sign Sharpe to an extension.</p><p>Trading Grant away makes them a player in next year’s free agency, allowing them to add to their burgeoning young core with perhaps a piece that solidifies them as a playoff-caliber team.</p><p>But again, that is a pipe dream the Blazers may find impossible to pull off. They will have to attach draft assets to get off of Grant’s contract or acquire a similarly bad contract.</p><p>Considering the state of the Blazers roster, there isn’t much they must do heading into the 2025-26 campaign other than to hope to find a taker for either Williams or Grant. If they manage to do so, then lady luck must be smiling upon them from cheek to cheek.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

The move Portland Trail Blazers still must make in 2025 NBA free agency

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/nba-stories/nba-news-ben-mclemore-sentenced-to-over-8-years-in-prison');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA news: Ben McLemore sentenced to over 8 years in prison');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ben-McLemore-23-watches-play-against-the-Houston-Rockets-in-the-second-half-at-Toyota-Center.jpg"><figcaption>© Thomas Shea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA news: Ben McLemore sentenced to over 8 years in prison</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-07-09T13:24:27-07:00">July 9th, 1:24pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-07-10T13:40:33-07:00">July 10th, 1:40pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>A judge sentenced former NBA guard Ben McLemore to <a href="https://www.espn.ph/nba/story/_/id/45703346/ben-mclemore-sentenced-100-months-prison-rape-conviction" rel="noopener">more than eight years</a> in Oregon state prison on Wednesday after a jury found him <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/celebrity/nba-news-ex-no-7-pick-ben-mclemore-found-guilty-of-rape">guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman</a> at a house party in 2021.</p><p>A Clackamas County Circuit Court jury last week convicted the 32-year-old on one count each of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and second-degree sexual abuse. He was acquitted of a second count of second-degree sexual abuse. McLemore, who last played in the NBA in 2022, pleaded not guilty to all charges.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/sacramento-kings/nba-news-ben-mclemore-arrested-rape-charges">assault occurred on Oct. 3, 2021, at the Lake Oswego home</a> of then-Portland Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington, a former teammate of McLemore. Following a police investigation, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/former-blazers-lakers-guard-ben-mclemore-issues-statement-on-rape-charges">McLemore was identified as the suspect</a>. A Clackamas County grand jury indicted him in February 2024 after hearing testimony from the victim. U.S. Marshals arrested him two months later.</p><p>During sentencing, McLemore appeared in Clackamas County Jail-issued clothing and declined to address the court. The woman, now 24, delivered a victim impact statement by video.</p><p>“This has been the longest almost four years of my life,” she said, as quoted by ESPN. “I never imagined that reporting this back in 2021 would lead to such an incredibly difficult and long journey.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Ben McLemore will be sentenced to 8 years in prison for rape and sexual assault, h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/esidery?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@esidery</a></p><p>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/Baxter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@baxter</a>) <a href="https://t.co/w3rJzt6fSs">pic.twitter.com/w3rJzt6fSs</a></p><p>— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/LegionHoops/status/1943037115593560469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>She described ongoing emotional trauma and added, “I now understand, on a deep level, why so many victims hesitate or never report what happened to them.”</p><h2><b>Ben McLemore sentenced nearly four years after assault report</b></h2><p>At trial, Clackamas County prosecutor Scott Healy told jurors the woman had passed out on a couch after heavy drinking and later regained partial consciousness as McLemore sexually assaulted her. Healy said McLemore initially penetrated her with his fingers before having intercourse.</p><p>Defense attorneys challenged the prosecution’s case, claiming the woman initiated sexual contact and had the capacity to consent despite being intoxicated.</p><p>In a statement to ESPN, McLemore’s attorney Kristen Winemiller said she hoped the Oregon Legislature would consider second-look provisions for cases like his, stating McLemore is “a considerate and humble person who has lived an honorable, community-focused life.”</p><p>In a separate statement provided to ESPN, Healy said the outcome should encourage others to come forward.</p><p>“Hopefully, the victim’s strength and courage in this case will give others the fortitude to come forward in circumstances where sexual assault has occurred,” Healy said.</p><p>The Sacramento Kings selected McLemore seventh overall in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Kansas. He played for five teams across nine seasons, including the Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Trail Blazers. After his final NBA season, he continued his basketball career overseas with stops in China, Greece, and Spain.</p><p>The sentencing closes a nearly four-year legal process and marks a dramatic turn for the former lottery pick.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA news: Ben McLemore sentenced to over 8 years in prison

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/boston-celtics/celtics-news-jrue-holiday-anfernee-simons-trade-blazers-catch');   ga('set', 'title', 'Celtics finalize Jrue Holiday, Anfernee Simons trade with Blazers, but there’s a catch');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Anfernee-Simons-and-Jrue-Holiday.jpg"><figcaption>Benny Sieu-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Celtics finalize Jrue Holiday, Anfernee Simons trade with Blazers, but there’s a catch</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-07-07T13:26:47-07:00">July 7th, 1:26pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-07-07T13:26:47-07:00">July 7th, 1:26pm</time><address><a>Daniel Donabedian</a>Daniel Donabedian is a beat reporter for ClutchPoints covering the Boston Celtics. He's also covered Villanova men's basketball and Big East basketball, building a strong reputation in the northeast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Boston Celtics</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>In their first move of the offseason, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/boston-celtics/3-reasons-celtics-won-jrue-holiday-anfernee-simons-trade">Boston Celtics traded veteran guard Jrue Holiday back to the Portland Trail Blazers</a> in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and a pair of second-round picks. Two weeks later, the deal is official, but the terms aren’t the same.</p><p>The Blazers didn’t love Holiday’s medical records, per Aaron J. Fentress of The Oregonian, and sought to <a href="https://x.com/AaronJFentress/status/1942274803274240101" rel="noopener">diminish their initial trade package</a>. The Celtics will still receive Simons for Holiday, yet there will be no draft picks involved.</p><p>Holiday, who turned 35 in June, missed just 20 games last regular season. However, he played through a mallet finger injury for a fair chunk of the 2024-25 campaign and was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/boston-celtics/celtics-news-jayson-tatum-jrue-holiday-hit-with-concerning-injury-updates-for-game-3-vs-magic">sidelined for three games in the first round of the playoffs</a> due to a hamstring issue.</p><p>It’s not clear what exact health problem the Blazers were troubled by. Either way, they still wanted Holiday, a two-time NBA champion who spent four days with them in 2023 before shipping off to Boston and immediately making his winning presence felt.</p><p>“A recent review of Holiday’s medicals revealed nothing substantial enough to warrant the trade being negated,” Fentress reported. “However, there was enough there to lead the Blazers to slightly alter the terms of the deal.”</p><p>While the Celtics are left without a pair of picks, they currently have a sizable stash of second-round selections that they can use as trade bait down the line. Since the C’s are <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/boston-celtics/celtics-news-jayson-tatum-7-word-message-achilles-injury-rehab">without star Jayson Tatum for the foreseeable future because of a devastating Achilles injury</a>, they look like a work in progress, and the front office will likely make another move in the coming weeks to address that feeling of incompletion.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/boston-celtics/the-move-boston-celtics-still-must-make-in-2025-nba-free-agency">Whether or not Simons is a part of Boston’s long-term plan remains to be seen</a>, yet there’s no denying his scoring ability. That could prove particularly useful for the 2025-26 season when the Celtics are down their leading scorer and no longer roster two other starters — Holiday and center Kristaps Porzingis — from their 2024 championship core.</p><p>Although Simons’ defense is lackluster, especially in comparison to Holiday, he’s shot over 35% from deep in five straight seasons and has averaged 15 points per game over the course of his seven-year career.</p><p>The 6-foot-3 guard is also nine years younger than Holiday and on an expiring deal, which works well given <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/boston-celtics/celtics-news-luke-kornet-luka-garza-moves-highlight-bostons-new-cap-reality">the Celtics’ current money situation</a>. That doesn’t mean Boston won’t miss Holiday, though, as its entire roster was ringless before he arrived in 2023 and helped them win that elusive title.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Celtics finalize Jrue Holiday, Anfernee Simons trade with Blazers, but there’s a catch

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-deandre-aytons-fit-lakers-conflicted-views-ex-suns-blazers-staff');   ga('set', 'title', 'Deandre Ayton’s fit on Lakers gets conflicted views from ex-Suns, Blazers staff');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Lakers-center-Deandre-Ayton-i.jpg"><figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Deandre Ayton’s fit on Lakers gets conflicted views from ex-Suns, Blazers staff</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-07-04T07:58:50-07:00">July 4th, 7:58am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-07-04T07:58:50-07:00">July 4th, 7:58am</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As the NBA <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/grading-deandre-ayton-lakers-contract">world reacts to the Los Angeles Lakers’ Deandre Ayton</a> signing, two conflicting views from his former employers, the Phoenix Suns and Portland Blazers, have reportedly weighed in on the veteran center’s fit. The Blazers’ former staffer has high hopes for Ayton and the Lakers, while the Suns’ former staffer doesn’t think DeAndre is going to pan out.</p><p>No one is doubting Ayton’s skill set as a fit with the Lakers. However, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=385&amp;v=wFVFL4b-4AY&amp;feature=youtu.be" rel="noopener">his past tenures</a> with the Suns and Blazers have been marked by controversy, which makes comments from the former Suns staffer less surprising, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon</p><p>“I talked to a former Phoenix staffer and one former Portland staffer,” MacMahon said. “And the former Phoenix staffer is like, ‘This is not going to work.’ He’s going to do this little half-roll thing. Luka is going to just get fed up with him. JJ Redick’s going to get driven crazy. This is going to be a disaster.”</p><p>The former Suns staffer’s take on Ayton and the Lakers differed from the former Blazers employee.</p><p>“The former Portland staffer was like, ‘Listen, everything that went wrong in Portland, some of it was on Deandre, some of it was on the organization.’ His feeling, though, was that Ayton’s going to understand the situation here. He’s not a Max player,” MacMahon added. “He’s a guy who’s been dumped by two franchises and, as you said, is basically playing on a prove-it deal for the room mid-level here. You know, a one-year deal plus a player option.</p><p>“And that that’s going to create a sense of urgency. It’s going to create a kind of hunger that maybe he has not had at his first two stops in the league,” MacMahon concluded.</p><p>Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks for the Blazers last season.</p><h2><b>Deandre Ayton’s six-word message to Lakers after signing</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Lakers-center-Deandre-Ayton-ii.jpg"><figcaption>Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Lakers center <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-deandre-ayton-six-word-message-los-angeles">Deandre Ayton posted a six-word message</a> on his social media. After agreeing to his new deal, he didn’t waste time sending a message to the Lakers and their fans.</p><p>Ayton says <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLoMdCuIscX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;ig_rid=d88deb0a-b5ee-4e2a-b4f7-fd4450857f17&amp;img_index=1" rel="noopener">he’s ready to get to work</a> for his new team on his Instagram.</p><p>“@lakers I’M READY. Let’s get to work #LakeShow,” Ayton said.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="instagram-media"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLoMdCuIscX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="display: flex;"><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div><div style="display: flex;"><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div><div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"><div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div><div style="display: flex; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div><div></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div><div style="display: flex; margin-bottom: 24px;"><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div><div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div><p></p></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLoMdCuIscX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by DOMINAYTON (@deandreayton)</a></p></div></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>Perhaps teaming up with All-Star LeBron James in his twilight years and Luka Doncic will motivate Ayton to turn in his best campaign. With the Lakers attempting to make one more run at an NBA title, Ayton’s production is vital.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Deandre Ayton’s fit on Lakers gets conflicted views from ex-Suns, Blazers staff

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-jeff-teague-urges-damian-lillard-to-reunite-portland-over-title-contenders');   ga('set', 'title', 'Jeff Teague urges Damian Lillard to reunite with Blazers over title contenders');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Damian-Lillard-0-drives-for-the-basket-against-Portland-Trail-Blazers-forward-Toumani-Camara-33.jpg"><figcaption>© Benny Sieu-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Jeff Teague urges Damian Lillard to reunite with Blazers over title contenders</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-07-02T12:26:51-07:00">July 2nd, 12:26pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-07-02T12:26:51-07:00">July 2nd, 12:26pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague is calling for <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/blazers-rumors-damian-lillard-reunion-on-the-table-after-bucks-release">Damian Lillard to return to the Portland Trail Blazers</a>, following the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/milwaukee-bucks/bucks-news-milwaukee-slammed-reckless-damian-lillard-strategy-myles-turner">Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to waive the veteran guard</a> and stretch the remaining $113 million of his contract over the next five seasons.</p><p>Speaking on the Club 520 Podcast, Teague advised Lillard to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/iJemCuDfJog?si=9WaEpKPBTwoYq8MM" rel="noopener">prioritize legacy and comfort</a> over the pursuit of a championship run.</p><p>“Go back to the Blazers bro,” Teague said. “He’s already got a nice home there, he loves it there, he still lives there in the summer.”</p><p>Lillard, 34, was waived Tuesday after one season with the Bucks. His lone year in Milwaukee ended with a first-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers and an Achilles injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the series. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/nba-news-damian-lillard-agent-breaks-silence-on-stunning-bucks-release">Milwaukee’s move to release Lillard cleared the necessary cap space</a> to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/betting/bucks-news-milwaukees-2026-title-odds-shift-myles-turner-damian-lillard-moves">sign former Indiana center Myles Turner</a> to a four-year, $107 million deal.</p><p>While Lillard’s next destination remains uncertain, Teague emphasized that Portland offers something no other franchise can replicate.</p><p>“It ain’t meant to be,” Teague said. “You already tried that in Milwaukee. Go back where you’re celebrated. You the franchise leader. Just go to retire as a Blazer bro.”</p><h2><b>Damian Lillard draws interest from Blazers, Heat, Warriors, Celtics, and Lakers after Bucks release</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Damian-Lillard-0-drives-for-the-basket-against-Golden-State-Warriors-forward-Moses-Moody-4.jpg"><figcaption>© Benny Sieu-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Lillard played 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers after being selected No. 6 overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. He holds franchise records in points, three-pointers made, and several other categories. Though Portland made the playoffs eight times during his tenure, the team reached the Western Conference Finals just once in 2019 before parting ways with Lillard in a blockbuster trade to Milwaukee ahead of the 2023-24 season.</p><p>Lillard has not publicly commented on his plans, but reports have linked both the Trail Blazers and the Miami Heat as potential landing spots. He had previously requested a trade to Miami last summer before ultimately being dealt to Milwaukee.</p><p>In addition to Portland and Miami, The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Sam Amick, and Joe Vardon reported that the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/nba-rumors-damian-lillard-wait-sign-amid-warriors-celtics-lakers-interest">Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers are among several teams</a> expressing interest in acquiring Lillard. While cap flexibility and injury concerns may complicate a swift resolution, multiple organizations are reportedly exploring the possibility of adding the seven-time All-Star guard “sooner rather than later.”</p><p>Marcus Teague, Jeff’s brother and a former NBA player himself, weighed in during the podcast discussion.</p><p>“That’s cool bro, you go there in the summer,” Marcus said. “Let’s get you a ring bro.”</p><p>Lillard averaged 24.3 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in his lone season with the Bucks. Despite injuries and inconsistent team performance, he remained one of the league’s most dangerous offensive guards. With free agency now open, teams around the league are expected to closely monitor Lillard’s recovery and availability in the coming weeks.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Jeff Teague urges Damian Lillard to reunite with Blazers over title contenders

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/nba-stories/blazers-rumors-damian-lillard-reunion-on-the-table-after-bucks-release');   ga('set', 'title', 'Blazers rumors: Damian Lillard reunion on the table after Bucks release');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Damian-Lillard.jpg"><figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Blazers rumors: Damian Lillard reunion on the table after Bucks release</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-07-01T13:12:56-07:00">July 1st, 1:12pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-07-01T13:34:52-07:00">July 1st, 1:34pm</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Milwaukee Bucks</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The NBA world was shocked when the Milwaukee Bucks <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/bucks-rumors-giannis-antetokounmpo-not-pleased-damian-lillard-exit">made the decision to waive Damian Lillard</a>, as the star guard is still recovering from tearing his Achilles in the playoffs. With the Bucks trying to make moves to create space to make other moves to help them stay competitive, Lillard seemed to be on the outside looking in.</p><p>Lillard is now a free agent for the first time in his career, and there will be interest in him once he is close to ready to return. There are already two teams that are being <a href="https://x.com/ohnohedidnt24/status/1940094843788706054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1940094843788706054%7Ctwgr%5E0895e44bb0a7f134bb5e5fa99e0e372930c01d06%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhoopshype.com%2Frumors%2F" rel="noopener">named as potential suitors</a>, with one of them being his former team, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.</p><p>“Teams have been reaching out and trying to gauge his interest. One of those teams to look out for is the Miami Heat,” Haynes said. “That was a team that was trying to trade for him when Dame did request a trade from Portland initially. That’s one team that’s going to be in the mix.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chris Haynes on who's interested in Dame:</p><p>"Look out for the Miami Heat. Throw Portland in there as well" <a href="https://t.co/G4YewlEFXG">pic.twitter.com/G4YewlEFXG</a></p><p>— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) <a href="https://twitter.com/ohnohedidnt24/status/1940094843788706054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>“Throw Portland in there as well, a team that could possibly make a reunion.”</p><p>Lillard returning to the Trail Blazers would be interesting, but it’s where everything started for him. At the same time, they’re not considered one of the top teams in the Western Conference, and Lillard wants to win, so it would be a sight to see him go back.</p><h2><b>Damian Lillard waived by the Bucks</b></h2><p>Lillard’s tenure with the Bucks probably did not go the way that he or the team wanted in his two years. They were able to make the playoffs, but injuries to Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the playoffs doomed them both years, as they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers back-to-back.</p><p>Now, the Bucks are trying to revamp their roster, and Lillard will have to decide where he’ll be playing basketball next.</p><p>The Trail Blazers could use a player like Lillard if they want to see some substantial growth in their team, but they would have to wait until he comes back from injury.</p><p>They have young players that have shown potential, such as Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan, Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, and they recently added a veteran in Jrue Holiday. The Blazers will need a lot more if they want to be competitive, and they could add more pieces in free agency.</p><p>They also just <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/blazers-news-deandre-ayton-becomes-free-agent-center-portland-contract-buyout">bought out Deandre Ayton</a>, which means they’ll be moving forward with Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Yang Hansen as their center depth.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Blazers rumors: Damian Lillard reunion on the table after Bucks release

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-trade-proposal-for-robert-williams-after-deandre-ayton-buyout');   ga('set', 'title', 'Lakers’ trade proposal for Robert Williams after Deandre Ayton buyout');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/757007493-lakers-trade-proposal-for-robert-williams-after-deandre-ayton-buyout.jpg"></figure><h1>Lakers’ trade proposal for Robert Williams after Deandre Ayton buyout</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-07-01T08:43:20-07:00">July 1st, 8:43am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-07-01T08:43:20-07:00">July 1st, 8:43am</time><address><a>Bailey Bassett</a>Bailey Bassett is a sports writer from Denver, Colorado, covering major sports events and athlete backgrounds at ClutchPoints. He has experience covering and writing on high school, collegiate, and professional sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>LeBron James’ agent, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-fans-thinking-lebron-james-trade-rich-paul-comments">Rich Paul, made comments</a> after <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-lebron-james-makes-52-6-million-contract-decision">James picked up his player option</a> that alluded to the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/updating-ranking-the-50-greatest-players-nba">all-time great</a> not being happy with the current state of the Los Angeles Lakers roster. Some took this to mean that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/ranking-best-lebron-james-trade-destinations-rich-paul-bombshell-lakers-quotes">James wants to be traded</a>, but more likely, he is just putting pressure on the Lakers’ front office to make some moves. The most glaring thing the Lakers need to do is address the center position, so they should consider a trade for Robert Williams of the Portland Trail Blazers.</p><h2><b>Lakers’ potential trade package for Robert Williams</b></h2><p><b>Lakers receive:</b> Robert Williams</p><p><b>Trail Blazers receive:</b> Gabe Vincent, second-round pick</p><p>The Lakers deployed Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura at the center position in the postseason last year. That unsurprisingly led to their elimination in the first round. The lack of big-man depth was a byproduct of <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-trade-grade-luka-doncic-deal">trading for Luka Doncic.</a></p><p>The deal for the Slovenian guard that shocked the NBA world was well worth it as it was one of the biggest trade fleeces ever and sets the Lakers up for success for the next decade. However, the departure of Anthony Davis left the team without interior scoring, rebounding, and rim protection.</p><p>Doncic and James will need someone who can fill those roles next season if the Lakers are to compete for the championship. So far through free agency and the NBA Draft, the position hasn’t been addressed.</p><p><a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1939343388660146673" rel="noopener">Paul said</a>, “He [James] knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”</p><p>James clearly isn’t thrilled about the state of the Lakers ahead of what will likely be his <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-lebron-james-overheard-revealing-wife-wants-retire">last season or two in the NBA</a>. Luckily, there are a few options to pursue for interior help. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-deandre-ayton-becomes-free-agent-center-portland-contract-buyout">Deandre Ayton was recently bought out by the Trail Blazers</a>, and the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-la-fans-already-recruiting-deandre-ayton-after-buyout">Lakers have reported interest</a> in the former first overall pick.</p><p>Los Angeles could also pursue Ayton’s old teammate, Robert Williams. The Trail Blazers still have a logjam in their center rotation, even after moving on from Ayton.</p><p>Donovan Clingan is the starter, but they also drafted Yang Hansen in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Additionally, Duop Reach can fill minutes and knock down 3-point shots from the pivot spot when need be. The Blazers might need to move Williams as well in order to better balance out the roster.</p><p>The Texas A&amp;M product has often struggled with injuries throughout his career, but he’d be a worthwhile gamble for the Lakers because adding him would be a step in the right direction that Los Angeles could make without giving up much. Williams’ injury history and the Trail Blazers’ willingness to get rid of Ayton for nothing means that Portland might ship off Williams for cheap.</p><p>The Lakers only have to sacrifice Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick in this deal. When healthy, Williams is one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA. He’d likely also thrive catching lobs from James and Doncic, who are two of the best playmakers in the league.</p><h2><b>Would the Trail Blazers trade Robert Williams?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Blazers-Robert-Williams-III.jpg"><figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>The Trail Blazers have been active this offseason. In addition to shuffling around their center rotation, they made one of the biggest trades of the offseason when they <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/jrue-holiday-trade-grades-for-celtics-blazers-after-stunning-deal">sent out Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday</a>. The ex-Boston Celtic is a two-time champion and one of the best defensive guards in NBA history.</p><p>That winning experience and play style could be valuable for Portland, but nonetheless, the trade received lots of criticism. Simons is the much younger player, and Holiday showed signs of regression last season. Simons, meanwhile, is just nearing his prime, and he has already scored 19-plus points per game in each of the last three seasons.</p><p>The Trail Blazers want to compete in the stacked Western Conference, so they likely will make more moves. The perplexing Holiday trade confirms that they are unpredictable, though. Trading Williams does make some sense, but it makes less sense after letting Ayton go, and there would be little reason to accept this underwhelming package from the Lakers.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lakers’ trade proposal for Robert Williams after Deandre Ayton buyout

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/nba-stories/nba-rumors-brutal-deandre-ayton-blazers-revelations-lakers-pause');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Brutal Deandre Ayton Blazers revelations should give Lakers pause');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DeAndre-Ayton-looking-down.jpg"><figcaption>Sam Navarro-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Brutal Deandre Ayton Blazers revelations should give Lakers pause</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-07-01T06:48:12-07:00">July 1st, 6:48am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-07-01T06:48:12-07:00">July 1st, 6:48am</time><address><a>Jaren Kawada</a>Jaren Kawada is a former full-time sports bettor and is now a NFL, College Football and Betting Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. Kawada was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, but now resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, after graduating from Butler University with a B.A. in sports media. Aside from football, Kawada is an avid combat sports and basketball bettor.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Since his <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-deandre-ayton-becomes-free-agent-center-portland-contract-buyout">release from the Portland Trail Blazers, DeAndre Ayton</a> has received serious interest from the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency. While the move makes sense on paper, the apparent reason why Ayton is available in the first place should concern any team looking to sign him.</p><p>Following Ayton’s release, details emerged suggesting the Blazers cut ties <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6463929/2025/06/30/deandre-ayton-portlant-trail-blazers-free-agency/" rel="noopener">due to his lack of discipline</a> and personality flaws rather than his on-court performances, according to The Athletic’s Jason Quick. While he has been disappointing since landing in Portland, it was Ayton’s reported “tardiness” and “tantrums” that did him in.</p><p>“See, the Blazers could live with Ayton missing shots or his man scoring on him,” Quick wrote. “They could even live with him being limited by injuries to 55 and 40 games in his two seasons in Portland. But in the end, they couldn’t live with his bad ways. The tardiness to team flights and practices, according to a team source. The skipping of rehabilitation appointments. Fans saw him slam chairs when he was taken out of games. And a team source said there were tantrums in the locker room when he was sidelined for poor effort.”</p><p>The Blazers’ release of Ayton was significant, considering he was the main piece they received from the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade in 2023. However, Portland seemingly prepared for the move a year ago when it selected Donovan Clingan in the 2024 NBA Draft.</p><p>Since joining the team, Ayton has averaged 15.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game over the last two years. While solid, his numbers have declined from his final two seasons with the Phoenix Suns, during which he averaged 17.2 and 18.0 points per game, respectively.</p><h2><b>Lakers’ interest in DeAndre Ayton following Blazers release</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lakers-rumors-Australian-center-emerges-as-LA-draft-target-with-45th-pick.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Despite the flaws in his performances, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-rumors-deandre-ayton-strong-possibility-nba-insider">Los Angeles Lakers have still aggressively pursued Ayton in free agency</a>. The Lakers have been on his tail since his release was announced, with a deal seemingly on the horizon.</p><p>The Lakers have desperately needed a center for several years, but seem to have urgency to resolve the situation in the 2025 offseason. Los Angeles has also targeted Brook Lopez, Clint Capela and Al Horford, among others.</p><p>Not only did the Lakers have a size issue in the 2024-2025 season, but they are also prepared to let Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len walk in free agency. Hayes and Len were the team’s top two centers late in the year after trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic and failing to acquire Mark Williams.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Brutal Deandre Ayton Blazers revelations should give Lakers pause

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/portland-trail-blazers/portland-trail-blazers-2025-nba-draft-grade-no-16-pick');   ga('set', 'title', 'Portland Trail Blazers 2025 NBA Draft grade for No. 16 pick');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Blazers-Yang-Hansen-stands-with-NBA-commissioner-Adam-Silver.jpg"><figcaption>© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><h1>Portland Trail Blazers 2025 NBA Draft grade for No. 16 pick</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-07-01T06:19:45-07:00">July 1st, 6:19am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-07-01T06:19:45-07:00">July 1st, 6:19am</time><address><a>Rishav Bhat</a>Rishav is a seasoned NBA and sports journalist and editor with over seven years of experience working for reputed organizations. A novelist first and foremost, he has written three fiction books. His high threshold of knowledge combined with his writing skills gives him the ability to write uniquely insightful pieces across basketball, soccer, cricket, lawn tennis, eSports, and a variety of other sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Portland Trail Blazers returned from the 2025 NBA Draft with one of the most surprising picks. In what has turned out to be a polarizing move, the Trail Blazers initially traded down from the No.11 pick after a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.</p><p>It brought them the No. 16 pick, alongside a 2028 first-rounder via Orlando, a 2027 second-round pick via Atlanta, and a 2028 second-rounder via Sacramento. Portland then <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-rookie-yang-hansen-drops-quote-life-away-basketball">drafted Chinese Basketball Association star Yang Hansen</a> with the No. 16 pick, making him just the third player of his nationality to join the NBA.</p><p>While the selection was initially met with skepticism, the Trail Blazers have scouted Yang since 2023, and not only returned from the draft with their man, but also useful assets for the future.</p><h2><b>Portland return with Yang Hansen, multiple future picks from 2025 NBA Draft</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Blazers-Yang-Hansen-walks-to-the-stage.jpg"><figcaption>© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>Yang had initially broken through at the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup. While he may be a name completely alien to most NBA fans, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-joe-cronin-reacts-chinese-nikola-jokic-comp-yang-hansen">Yang Hansen has been viewed as one of the most impressive prospects</a> to come out of China since a certain Yao Ming.</p><p>He initially made the Qingdao Eagles senior team as an 18-year-old and has continuously impressed ever since. Last season in the CBA, he <a href="https://www.nba.com/blazers/news/trail-blazers-acquire-draft-rights-to-yang-hansen" rel="noopener">averaged 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3 assists,</a> and 2.6 blocks per game, per NBA.com. Hansen also shot a very impressive 58% from the field and earned both All-Star and All-CBA honors, his second in a row.</p><p>He was also the CBA defensive player of the year last season and has already made an impact at the international stage as well. He previously represented the China U19 team at the 2023 U19 Youth World Cup Basketball Tournament, and made his senior team debut back in February 2024.</p><p>A two-way center who joins a team already loaded in his position, fans had questioned whether Portland were right in drafting him. However, Hansen has continued to impress ever since breaking out and his athleticism, despite his his 7-foot-3 wingspan and 9-foot standing reach make him a tantalizing prospect.</p><p>Not only did Portland acquire a player they liked and had scouted for a considerable time, but they also did so while moving back in the draft and acquiring future assets. Hansen’s huge upside, alongside the three draft picks that Portland was able to get, means that the Trail Blazers have little to lose and everything to gain from their 2025 NBA Draft strategy.</p><p>While the team did forego other major prospects in their bid to draft the Chinese international, Hansen may as well be looked as a major steal in the years to come. He becomes only the third Chinese star after the likes of Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian.</p><p>The Trail Blazers clearly see the player as a commanding prospect, and the assets they acquire make him a successful draft pick, as things stand.</p><p><b>Grade: A</b></p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Portland Trail Blazers 2025 NBA Draft grade for No. 16 pick

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/nba-stories/nba-rumors-why-blazers-failed-find-deandre-ayton-trade-buyout');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Why Blazers failed to find Deandre Ayton trade before buyout');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Trail-Blazers-center-DeAndre-Ayton-i.jpg"><figcaption>Soobum Im-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Why Blazers failed to find Deandre Ayton trade before buyout</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-30T09:44:08-07:00">June 30th, 9:44am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-30T09:44:08-07:00">June 30th, 9:44am</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA Stories</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Before reaching a buyout with their starting center, the Portland <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-rumors-portland-to-explore-deandre-ayton-jerami-grant-trade-markets">Blazers explored DeAndre Ayton’s market value</a>. However, there was one caveat that threw a wrench into the Blazers’ attempts, leading to a buyout that suddenly launched <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-deandre-ayton-becomes-free-agent-center-portland-contract-buyout">Ayton to become a sought-after center</a> in free agency. Still, Portland reportedly tried to land a deal centered around DeAndre.</p><p>However, the Blazers were very particular about <a href="https://x.com/MikeAScotto/status/1939568049406771295" rel="noopener">what they’d take back in return</a> for Ayton, per Hoopshype’s Michael Sotto.</p><p>“Portland had trade discussions with several teams interested in DeAndre Ayton,” Sotto reported. “However, the Trail Blazers made it clear they didn’t want to take on any multi-year contracts in return, which made it challenging to find contracts and players to match his $35 million salary.”</p><p>Now, Ayton will test the free agency waters with a new team, and potentially, a final chance at a long-term deal down the road, as the veteran center looks to rejuvenate his career amid new surroundings. However, any team that signs him is taking a risk, according to ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins.</p><h2><b>Kendrick Perkins hits DeAndre Ayton with ‘Diva’ label</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Trail-Blazers-center-DeAndre-Ayton-ii.jpg"><figcaption>Soobum Im-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>ESPN’s <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/nba-rumors-kendrick-perkins-deandre-ayton-diva-cancer-labels">Kendrick Perkins addressed DeAndre Ayton’s reputation following a buyout</a> with the Blazers. While Perkins admits Ayton’s fit with the Lakers from a basketball standpoint, he worries that DeAndre’s drive and motivation may dwindle <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1939691826430070818" rel="noopener">based on the veteran center’s experience</a> with the Blazers.</p><p>“The Portland Trail Blazers were happy as hell that they got to this point with him,” Perkins said. “Right now, he’s been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room, and if I’m DeAndre Ayton, I gotta have a moment. I gotta have someone speak the real to me because we’re talking about a former number one pick that didn’t work out with the Phoenix Suns, the team that drafted him number one.”</p><p>For Perkins, Ayton’s next stop could be his final chance.</p><p>“When you have guys like DeAndre Ayton, you believe that things can happen to you. And I believe that he’s one situation away, the next situation, or next organization that he lands in, even if it’s the Lakers, he has to change a lot about himself, or he will find his career being shortened, and he will find himself out of the league,” Perkins added. “But can DeAndre Ayton help the Lakers? Absolutely, because Luka thrives in the lob threat. DeAndre Ayton can be a lob threat.</p><p>“When DeAndre Ayton is locked in, he’s focused, he’s losing himself in the team, he’s a hell of a player. Double-double. The problem is that it hasn’t been the case,” Perkins concluded.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">"The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton… right now he's been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room… he has to change a lot about himself or he will find his career being shortened."</p><p>– Kendrick Perkins 😳<a href="https://t.co/YJxhDgdWt4">pic.twitter.com/YJxhDgdWt4</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1939691826430070818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The Lakers are one of the few teams reportedly connected to potentially signing Ayton.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Why Blazers failed to find Deandre Ayton trade before buyout

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/nba-stories/nba-rumors-kendrick-perkins-deandre-ayton-diva-cancer-labels');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Kendrick Perkins hits Deandre Ayton with ‘diva, cancer’ labels');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Trail-Blazers-center-DeAndre-Ayton.jpg"><figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Kendrick Perkins hits Deandre Ayton with ‘diva, cancer’ labels</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-30T09:06:38-07:00">June 30th, 9:06am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-30T09:06:38-07:00">June 30th, 9:06am</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA Stories</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>After reaching a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-deandre-ayton-becomes-free-agent-center-portland-contract-buyout">DeAndre Ayton becomes a top free-agent center</a> ahead of the busiest time of the year for NBA executives. One of the few teams mentioned as early as a potential suitor is the Los Angeles Lakers, whom ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins agrees could help LeBron James and Luka Doncic, or check out at the first sign of trouble. It’s entirely up to Ayton.</p><p>Ayton’s skillset and reliability are <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1939691826430070818" rel="noopener">two very different things</a> that don’t always go hand in hand, Perkins said, per ESPN’s First Take.</p><p>“The word around the league is not good about DeAndre Ayton. The Portland Trail Blazers were happy as hell that they got to this point with him,” Perkins said. “Right now he’s been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room, and if I’m DeAndre Ayton, I gotta have a moment. I gotta have someone speak the real to me because we’re talking about a former number one pick that didn’t work out with the Phoenix Suns, the team that drafted him number one.”</p><p>For Perkins, Ayton’s next stop could be his final chance.</p><p>“When you have guys like DeAndre Ayton, you believe that things can happen to you. And I believe that he’s one situation away, the next situation, or next organization that he lands in, even if it’s the Lakers, he has to change a lot about himself, or he will find his career being shortened, and he will find himself out of the league,” Perkins added. “But can DeAndre Ayton help the Lakers? Absolutely, because Luka thrives in the lob threat. DeAndre Ayton can be a lob threat.</p><p>“When DeAndre Ayton is locked in, he’s focused, he’s losing himself in the team, he’s a hell of a player. Double-double. The problem is that it hasn’t been the case,” Perkins concluded.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">"The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton… right now he's been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room… he has to change a lot about himself or he will find his career being shortened."</p><p>– Kendrick Perkins 😳<a href="https://t.co/YJxhDgdWt4">pic.twitter.com/YJxhDgdWt4</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1939691826430070818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p> </p><h2><b>DeAndre Ayton’s poor reputation with the Trail Blazers</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Trail-Blazers-center-DeAndre-Ayton-2.jpg"><figcaption>Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Shortly after the buyout was announced, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-la-fans-already-recruiting-deandre-ayton-after-buyout">Lakers fans were quick to recruit DeAndre Ayton</a> to their team, a move that ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins cautions against, based on Ayton’s tenure with the Trail Blazers.</p><p>“Came off as selfish, unreliable, so many stories that were put out there last season that I just couldn’t believe,” Perkins said. “He was backed up in traffic. Something happened where he couldn’t get out of his driveway. I was like, man, c’mon man. What are we talking about?”</p><p>Perkins also added that Ayton couldn’t get along with Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Kendrick Perkins hits Deandre Ayton with ‘diva, cancer’ labels

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-deandre-ayton-becomes-free-agent-center-portland-contract-buyout');   ga('set', 'title', 'Deandre Ayton becomes top free agent center after Blazers contract buyout');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Deandre-Ayton-becomes-top-free-agent-center-after-Blazers-contract-buyout.jpg"><figcaption>Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Deandre Ayton becomes top free agent center after Blazers contract buyout</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-29T19:47:12-07:00">June 29th, 7:47pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-29T20:20:09-07:00">June 29th, 8:20pm</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Portland <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-swift-move-arizona-star-caleb-love-after-nba-draft">Trail Blazers made a big and surprising move</a> before free agency begins, as they <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1939513083338322366" rel="noopener">came to an agreement</a> on a buyout with one of their centers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.</p><p>“Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote on X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>“Sudden addition to the free-agent market. This gives 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,” Charania continued.</p><p>It will be interesting to see what Ayton’s market will be as free agency is on the way.</p><p>There were many questions on how the Blazers would handle their center rotation, especially after <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers/blazers-news-portland-stuns-nba-world-with-7-foot-1-chinese-star-after-trade">drafting Hansen Yang with the No. 16 pick</a> in the NBA Draft. Not many people expected Yang to go that quickly in the draft, but the Blazers believed in his talent. In his two seasons with the Chinese Basketball Association, Yang averaged 15.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while shooting 56.9 percent from the field.</p><p>The Blazers had four centers on the roster, which included Ayton, Donovan Clingan, and Robert Williams III. There was a good chance someone would be on the outside looking in, and it was Ayton whom the Blazers decided to let go.</p><p>Ayton’s game has been under a microscope over the past few seasons, and it started during his final season with the Phoenix Suns. Since coming to the Trail Blazers, Ayton hadn’t been available to play much, which gave other players on the team a chance to get minutes.</p><p>In Clingan’s rookie season last year, he took advantage of the opportunity, and he averaged 6.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 67 games.</p><p>Ayton will most likely have a list of suitors going after him, and he may be signed sooner rather than later.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Portland
Trail Blazers NEWS

Trail Blazers News: Get the latest Portland Trail Blazers news, scores, stats, standings, fantasy games, and more from ClutchPoints.

Latest Trail Blazers News

The move Portland Trail Blazers still must make in 2025 NBA free agency

NBA news: Ben McLemore sentenced to over 8 years in prison

Celtics finalize Jrue Holiday, Anfernee Simons trade with Blazers, but there’s a catch

Deandre Ayton’s fit on Lakers gets conflicted views from ex-Suns, Blazers staff

Jeff Teague urges Damian Lillard to reunite with Blazers over title contenders

Blazers rumors: Damian Lillard reunion on the table after Bucks release

Lakers’ trade proposal for Robert Williams after Deandre Ayton buyout

• NBA rumors: Brutal Deandre Ayton Blazers revelations should give Lakers pause

• Portland Trail Blazers 2025 NBA Draft grade for No. 16 pick

• NBA rumors: Why Blazers failed to find Deandre Ayton trade before buyout

• NBA rumors: Kendrick Perkins hits Deandre Ayton with ‘diva, cancer’ labels

• Deandre Ayton becomes top free agent center after Blazers contract buyout

PortlandTrail Blazers NEWS

Trail Blazers News: Get the latest Portland Trail Blazers news, scores, stats, standings, fantasy games, and more from ClutchPoints.

Latest Trail Blazers News

The move Portland Trail Blazers still must make in 2025 NBA free agency

NBA news: Ben McLemore sentenced to over 8 years in prison

Celtics finalize Jrue Holiday, Anfernee Simons trade with Blazers, but there’s a catch

Deandre Ayton’s fit on Lakers gets conflicted views from ex-Suns, Blazers staff

Jeff Teague urges Damian Lillard to reunite with Blazers over title contenders

Blazers rumors: Damian Lillard reunion on the table after Bucks release

Lakers’ trade proposal for Robert Williams after Deandre Ayton buyout

• NBA rumors: Brutal Deandre Ayton Blazers revelations should give Lakers pause

• Portland Trail Blazers 2025 NBA Draft grade for No. 16 pick

• NBA rumors: Why Blazers failed to find Deandre Ayton trade before buyout

• NBA rumors: Kendrick Perkins hits Deandre Ayton with ‘diva, cancer’ labels

• Deandre Ayton becomes top free agent center after Blazers contract buyout

Portland
Trail Blazers NEWS