In a stunning turn of events, the Golden State Warriors have emerged as frontrunners to land former No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton, a 7-foot center who became the talk of NBA free agency after agreeing to a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. As the 2025 free agency period kicked off on June 30, the Warriors found themselves with a golden opportunity to bolster their roster with a proven big man, setting the stage for a fierce bidding war among playoff contenders.
A Game-Changing Opportunity
Ayton, who inked a four-year, $133 million contract with the Suns in 2022 after helping them reach the NBA Finals, became available after Portland’s front-office shakeup left them with a surplus of centers following the draft. ESPN insiders Bobby Marks and Ramona Shelburne broke the news on X, detailing the seismic shift. Marks noted, “Deandre Ayton is free to sign with any team despite earning greater than $14.1M+. The waiver restriction for second apron teams only applies during the regular season. He had $35.6M left on an expiring contract.” Shelburne added, “Ayton has to clear waivers in 48 hours. Portland had a glut of centers after the draft and it’s very hard to trade a player making as much as he does.”
With Ayton set to clear waivers by Tuesday, July 2, the Warriors are poised to make a hard push for the 26-year-old center, whose career averages of 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks make him a tantalizing fit for a team chasing another championship. Golden State’s playoff run last season, which included a first-round victory before a hamstring injury to Stephen Curry derailed their conference semifinal hopes against the Minnesota Timberwolves, underscored their need for a dominant interior presence. Ayton could be the missing piece to elevate their title aspirations.
Why Ayton Fits the Warriors’ Vision
The Warriors offer Ayton a championship-caliber environment that aligns with his stated desire to compete for a title. With Curry and Draymond Green, each boasting four championship rings, and the recent addition of Jimmy Butler, who led the Miami Heat to three Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals in five years, Golden State presents a compelling case. Butler’s playmaking, Green’s defensive tenacity, and Curry’s unparalleled shooting could create a dynamic ecosystem for Ayton to thrive, both as a rim protector and a scoring threat in the paint.
However, the Warriors face stiff competition, most notably from the Los Angeles Lakers. Like Golden State, the Lakers fell to the Timberwolves in last season’s playoffs, exposing their lack of size and strength in the frontcourt. Los Angeles holds a trump card in Luka Doncic, the 26-year-old superstar who can sign a four-year extension in August. Widely regarded as one of the NBA’s premier talents, Doncic’s five first-team All-NBA selections and ability to elevate big men make him a magnet for Ayton. Doncic’s playmaking wizardry could unlock new dimensions in Ayton’s game, padding his stats and boosting his value ahead of future contract talks.
The Stakes Are High
For Golden State, landing Ayton would signal a bold step toward reclaiming their spot atop the NBA hierarchy. The Warriors’ core, while still elite, is aging—Curry and Green are in their mid-30s, and Butler is 35. Ayton’s youth and two-way production could extend their championship window while complementing their fast-paced, spacing-heavy system. His ability to anchor the defense and finish lobs from Curry or Butler would add a new layer to Golden State’s attack.
Yet, the Lakers loom large. Doncic’s prime, paired with LeBron James’ veteran leadership, makes Los Angeles an equally enticing destination. The question remains: will Ayton prioritize the Warriors’ proven championship pedigree or the chance to pair with a generational talent like Doncic?
What’s Next?
As Ayton prepares to clear waivers, the NBA world is buzzing with anticipation. The Warriors have the tools to make a compelling pitch, but they’ll need to outmaneuver a crowded field of suitors. With free agency in full swing, the next 48 hours could reshape the Western Conference landscape. Is the deal already done, or will another team swoop in to steal Ayton’s signature? One thing is certain: the race for the $133 million franchise center is about to heat up, and the Warriors are all in.