The veteran center instantly becomes a surprise addition to a free agent market thinned by reported re-signings. The 26-year-old big man is coming off arguably the poorest season of his career, tying a career low in scoring (14.4 ppg) while playing in just 40 games with Portland last season.

Deandre Ayton posted a thank you message for the Portland Trail Blazers, and finished it with a message for the Los Angeles Lakers.