BREAKING NEWS: Deandre Ayton Set to Join Boston Celtics on Massive Three-Year, \$100 Million Deal—LA Lands Dominant Big Man to Power Championship………….
In a stunning and unexpected development during NBA free agency, league sources confirm that All-Star center Deandre Ayton is set to sign a three-year, $100 million contract with the Boston Celtics, marking one of the most significant signings of the 2025 offseason. The deal not only reshapes the Celtics’ interior lineup but also signals a seismic shift in the power dynamics of the Eastern Conference.
Ayton, 26, negotiated a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this week, walking away from the final year of his previous contract to become an unrestricted free agent. While many speculated he might head to a Western Conference contender—particularly the Los Angeles Lakers—Boston aggressively pursued the Bahamian big man and ultimately won the high-stakes bidding war.
A Bold Move from the Defending Champs
The Celtics, fresh off capturing the 2025 NBA Championship, have sent a clear message: they’re not satisfied with just one title. After losing veteran big man Kristaps Porziņģis to a long-term injury and subsequent trade, Boston’s front office knew they needed to reinforce the paint—both offensively and defensively.
“Deandre fills a void we’ve been aware of for months,” said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens. “He’s a dynamic scorer, a relentless rebounder, and brings a level of toughness and athleticism we’ve wanted at the 5 spot. He complements our core and helps us prepare for the grind of another deep playoff run.”
Ayton brings career averages of 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, and is widely regarded as one of the most skilled low-post scorers in the NBA. He was selected first overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns and played a key role in their 2021 Finals run. After being traded to Portland in 2023, Ayton posted strong numbers despite the team’s struggles and eventually opted out in pursuit of a winning situation.
Lakers Miss Out as Boston Pounces
Sources close to the situation say the Los Angeles Lakers, who were considered front-runners for Ayton, were caught off-guard by Boston’s aggressiveness. L.A. reportedly offered a two-year deal worth around $34 million, betting that Ayton would prioritize playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But Boston’s long-term security and championship pedigree won out.
“I have nothing but respect for what the Lakers offered,” Ayton told reporters late Sunday night. “But at this stage of my career, I want to be somewhere I can win now—and win again. Boston is where that’s possible.”
Ayton is expected to slot immediately into the starting center role, allowing Al Horford to return to a reserve capacity and easing pressure off Robert Williams III, who continues to manage lingering knee issues. The Celtics’ projected starting five—Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Deandre Ayton—boasts an elite balance of scoring, defense, and playoff experience.
Cap Concerns Set Aside for a Title Window
While the financial implications are steep—the deal reportedly includes front-loaded guarantees and performance bonuses—sources close to the team say Celtics ownership gave Stevens full clearance to operate above the second apron of the luxury tax, signaling an all-in approach.
“Championship windows are rare and fleeting,” one front-office executive said. “With Tatum and Brown both in their prime, there was no time to wait. Ayton was the best available talent, and we got him.”
League-Wide Reactions Pour In
Around the NBA, reactions to the deal were swift. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski called the move “a defining moment of the 2025 offseason,” while TNT’s Charles Barkley said, “This just made the Celtics scarier than ever. If Ayton plays to his potential, good luck stopping Boston.”
Magic Johnson, who had lobbied publicly for the Lakers to land Ayton, expressed disappointment on X (formerly Twitter):
> “Tough loss for the Lakers. But congrats to Boston—they just got themselves a monster in the middle.”
What’s Next?
Ayton is expected to be formally introduced at a Celtics press conference on Monday. Training camp begins in September, and fans are already anticipating the new-look Celtics to open the 2025–26 season as clear title favorites.
For Boston, this is not just a signing—it’s a statement. With Ayton in green and white, the Celtics are aiming not just to defend their title, but to build a dynasty.
