On Sunday night, Deandre Ayton and the Portland Trail Blazers agreed on a contract buyout, making the former No. 1 overall pick an unrestricted free agent. No player in the 2025 free agent class fits the Bulls' needs better than Ayton, and Artūras Karnišovas should be paying attention.
Portland recently selected young 7-footers in Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen over the last two drafts. With the Blazers clearly heading in a new direction, Ayton now has the chance to freely choose his next team for the first time in his career.
Deandre Ayton is still young
Ayton has faced numerous criticisms throughout his career, but his talent has never been in question. At just 26 years old, he has already played seven seasons in the NBA, averaging 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and shooting 59 percent from the field. He combines soft touch around the rim with a reliable mid-range jumper and has the size, strength, and mobility to continue as a starting-caliber center.
This kind of physical profile has been missing from the Bulls' roster. Nikola Vučević brings a different offensive skillset but lacks Ayton’s athleticism and vertical presence. For a team that has long struggled to find consistency in the paint, Ayton offers an immediate upgrade either way. He also brings the kind of growth that fits with a franchise in transition.
The fit in Chicago just makes sense
If the Bulls are serious about building their roster around players who are “young with experience,” then Ayton should be a top priority. The front office has already shown it wants to push down this path, trading Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey and moving Lonzo Ball’s contract for Isaac Okoro. Ayton fits the same mold. He is young, experienced, and just entering his prime.
But this is not just about age. Chicago needs a presence in the paint who can rebound, defend, and finish. Ayton does not need the ball to be effective, but if the Bulls give him more opportunity than he had in Phoenix or Portland, he could grow into the kind of player many expected him to become out of college.
The Bulls would not just be investing in what Ayton is today, but also in what he can become in a new role with the right structure around him.
Defensively, Ayton is not exactly elite, but he is capable. His awareness could improve, but with strong perimeter defenders like Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue around him, Ayton would not be expected to anchor the defense on his own. That support could allow him to take a step forward on that end of the floor.
Even if he remains inconsistent defensively, he still brings more to the table than Vučević in terms of rim protection and mobility.
What does Ayton's contract situation look like?
Ayton’s buyout gives him something he has never had in his career, which is control over where he plays next. He is no longer tied to a specific salary or team. The question now is whether he is seeking a short-term deal with a playoff contender or a longer-term contract with a team that offers a bigger role and opportunities for growth.
The Bulls can offer either if they clear the necessary space. Moving Vučević would open both a roster spot and cap flexibility. Right now, Ayton is expected to receive a contract worth around $15 to $20 million per year. That is a fair price for a player with his production and potential, and it is one Chicago should be willing to pay if it means securing a long-term answer at center.
Young and skilled bigs with real upside rarely hit the open market. When they do, it is usually the result of a unique situation. In this case, Portland chose to prioritize younger players at his same position, making him available for the first time since entering the league. This is the kind of opportunity that does not come around often, and is something that should be capitalized upon.
What are the odds Ayton lands with the Bulls?
Several teams will be interested in Ayton. The Lakers, Warriors, and Celtics are all likely to reach out in hopes of adding depth to their frontcourts. If Ayton values winning right away, those teams may have the edge. However, if he is seeking a larger role, higher compensation, and the opportunity to develop alongside a young core, the Bulls could offer the best situation.
Chicago might also have more flexibility than other teams. If it can move one or both of Vučević and Patrick Williams, the team would be in a position to make a competitive offer.
The real question is whether Karnišovas is willing to take the risk. Signing Ayton to a long-term deal comes with some risk, but it also proves a commitment to real change. For a team that has been stuck in the middle, Ayton represents a chance to push toward something new.
If the Bulls want to build a foundation for the future, this would be a smart place to start, especially if the team gets rid of Vucevic and replaces him with Ayton.