DeAndre Ayton

DeAndre Ayton

 

DeAndre Edoneille Ayton (born July 23, 1998) is a Bahamian professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 m) and weighing 250 pounds (113 kg), Ayton plays center. A consensus five-star prospect and McDonald’s All-American in 2017, he played one season of college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats, earning Pac-12 Player of the Year honors. Ayton was selected first overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, the franchise’s first number-one pick, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2019. In 2021, he helped lead the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993.

 

Early Life

 

Ayton was born in Nassau, Bahamas, to a Nigerian father and Jamaican mother. He began playing basketball in fourth grade, and by age 12, he stood 6 feet 5 inches tall. He moved from the Bahamas to San Diego, California, to attend high school in the United States. Ayton is only the second Bahamian-born player selected first overall in the NBA Draft, joining Mychal Thompson (1978).

 

High School Career

 

Ayton initially attended Balboa City School in San Diego before transferring to Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix, Arizona, for his final two seasons. As a senior, he averaged 28.2 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks per game, earning McDonald’s All-American honors and being named a consensus five-star recruit—the top-ranked center and number-two overall prospect in the 2017 class.

 

College Career

 

Ayton attended the University of Arizona for the 2017-18 season, averaging 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds per game—becoming the first freshman in Pac-12 history to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds. He made his debut on November 10, 2017, recording 19 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks in a win over Northern Arizona. On December 9, he posted 29 points and 18 rebounds against Alabama. On January 20, 2018, he blocked six shots against Stanford, tying the Arizona freshman record.

 

Ayton finished his lone season with 17 games of 20+ points and 23 double-doubles in 35 games. He was named Pac-12 Player of the Year, First Team All-American, and won the Karl Malone Award. He declared for the 2018 NBA Draft on March 15, 2018, and became the first Arizona player ever selected first overall.

 

NBA Career

 

Phoenix Suns (2018–2023)

 

The Phoenix Suns selected Ayton first overall on June 21, 2018. In his rookie season, he averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds, earning All-Rookie First Team honors. On October 25, 2019, Ayton was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy after testing positive for a diuretic. He returned on December 17 and later recorded 26 points and 21 rebounds against New York on January 16, 2020—becoming the first Suns player since Steve Nash to post a 20-20 game.

 

In 2020-21, Ayton helped Phoenix reach the NBA Finals, where they lost to Milwaukee in six games. He averaged 15.8 points and 11.8 rebounds in the playoffs. On July 14, 2022, Ayton signed a four-year, $133 million maximum contract as a restricted free agent after Phoenix initially declined to extend him.

 

Portland Trail Blazers (2023–2025)

 

On September 27, 2023, Ayton was traded to Portland as part of the three-team deal that sent Damian Lillard to Milwaukee. In Portland, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds across two seasons while playing 95 games. On October 30, 2023, he recorded a career-high 23 rebounds against Toronto. On March 13, 2024, he scored 33 points and grabbed 19 rebounds on 15-of-20 shooting against Atlanta.

 

However, behind-the-scenes issues emerged. According to reports, Ayton was late to practices and flights and skipped rehab appointments. On June 29, 2025, the Trail Blazers and Ayton reached a buyout agreement.

 

Los Angeles Lakers (2025–present)

 

On July 6, 2025, Ayton signed a two-year, $16.6 million contract with the Lakers, joining LeBron James and Luka Dončić. The deal includes a player option for the second season. Through February 2026, Ayton is averaging 12.4 points and 8.9 rebounds while providing rim protection and finishing lobs.

 

International Career

 

Ayton represented the Bahamas in international competition, including the 2016 Centrobasket U-17 Championship, where he averaged 18.0 points and 13.5 rebounds, earning tournament MVP honors.

 

References

 

External Links

* DeAndre Ayton on NBA.com

* DeAndre Ayton on Basketball-Reference.com