Deandre Ayton Enters Free Agency: Former Grind Session Star and No. 1 Pick Looks Ahead After Portland Exit
Former Grind Session standout and 2018 No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick Deandre Ayton is officially a free agent after a seven-year journey that has taken him from top high school prospect to one of the league’s most consistent rebounders. The Portland Trailblazers announced early Monday morning that the team had finalized a buyout with Ayton.
The 7-foot center, originally from the Bahamas, played for the Portland Trail Blazers the past two NBA seasons after five seasons with the Phoenix Suns. Though his stint in the Pacific Northwest was short-lived, Ayton remained a force on the boards, averaging over 10 rebounds per game for the seventh straight season — a testament to the physical dominance he’s displayed since his high school days on the Grind Session circuit.
Grind Session Roots
Before college stardom and an NBA career, Ayton made waves on the Grind Session stage. After starting his high school career at Balboa School in California, where he put up 21 points, 16 rebounds, and nearly seven blocks per game as a sophomore, he transferred to Hillcrest Prep Academy in Phoenix, Arizona — a perennial powerhouse in the Grind Session.
At Hillcrest, Ayton shared the court with another future NBA lottery pick, Marvin Bagley III, forming one of the most formidable prep frontcourts in recent memory. As a junior, Ayton posted jaw-dropping averages of 29.2 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game.
He capped off his high school career by leading Hillcrest Prep to a Grind Session World Championship, earning both Finals MVP and season MVP honors. That dominant senior campaign — 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game — solidified his status as the nation’s top big man and a consensus five-star prospect.
Ayton also represented the World Select Team at the 2016 Nike Hoop Summit, continuing his rise on the international stage.
College and NBA Ascent
Ayton played one season at the University of Arizona, where he was named Pac-12 Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. He then declared for the 2018 NBA Draft, where the Phoenix Suns made him the first overall pick.
Ayton’s most successful NBA season came in 2021 when he played a pivotal role in guiding the Suns to the NBA Finals, their first appearance since 1993. Though Phoenix fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games, Ayton's inside presence was instrumental during the team’s playoff run.
In 2022, Ayton signed a max offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers, which the Suns matched. However, by the 2023–24 season, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Portland Era and the Future
Ayton’s time in Portland didn’t lead to postseason success — the Trail Blazers haven’t made the playoffs since 2021 — but his rebounding, shot-blocking, and efficient low-post scoring remained steady.
His departure now symbolizes Portland’s commitment to a full rebuild, with young cornerstones Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan taking center stage. Reports also suggest the Blazers are acquiring veteran guard Jrue Holiday, continuing their roster shakeup.
What’s Next for Ayton?
Still just 26 years old, Ayton enters free agency with plenty of basketball left and a résumé that includes:
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2019)
- Career averages of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game
- Over 10 rebounds per game in every season played
For Grind Session alumni and fans, Ayton’s journey remains a point of pride — a reminder that the platform is launching not just NCAA stars, but NBA franchise cornerstones.
As teams around the league look to strengthen their frontcourt, don’t be surprised to see Deandre Ayton in a new jersey soon, ready to write the next chapter of an already impressive career.
