The Washington Wizards traded for Deandre Ayton to be their backup big man, but there should be skepticism about the former number one overall pick buying into the role. Ayton has started 463 of his 470 career NBA games and hasn’t come off the bench since the bubble in 2020. The seven-footer has been known to get his. He is a veteran on an expiring contract, so there are plenty of reasons to have doubts.
To Ayton’s credit, he seemed excited about joining the Wizards. Washington gave up Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks to acquire him. They clearly value the big man, and Ayton said he’s willing to play whatever role head coach Brian Keefe has for him at Media Day.
“The way I’m coming into the Wizards is mainly just wherever I fit in and wherever coach BK wants me. The depth we have is insane. It is almost like being out there with two bigs is almost position-less. When it comes to this team, if my name gets called, it doesn’t matter where I am at. I am out there with Trae Young or AD.”
Ayton made it clear that it “really doesn’t matter if you start or come off the bench” because of this team’s depth. Washington needs him to be fully locked in as a reserve. Ayton could be one of the best backup big men in the NBA if he embraces this challenge.
Deandre Ayton has not always embraced his role
Ayton was drafted number one overall by the Suns in 2018, but that relationship fractured after five years. It started with a failed rookie extension negotiation that forced Ayton to sign an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers. It ended with a failed playoff series and a trade to the Blazers.
The big man started every game he played for Portland, but his attitude and lack of accountability (subscription required) forced the franchise to buy him out after two years. Ayton wanted to be the star over buying into his role at times.
The Lakers paid a massive price of two first-round draft picks and two first-round swaps to land Walker Kessler this summer. They clearly wanted an upgrade over Ayton, and quickly traded DA after landing Kessler. He spent just one year in Los Angeles and was not the answer as Luka Doncic’s pick-and-roll partner.
Contending teams don’t trade high-quality starters for a couple of second-round draft picks or buy them out if they are playing the needed role. Ayton has yet to find his ideal fit and now faces taking on a new role in the nation’s capital.
Wizards have talent but are far from guaranteed contenders
Buying into a lesser role on a contender is easier than agreeing to one on a lottery-bound squad. The player can point to the team’s success to get paid. If he’s not producing or winning, it may be difficult to land another NBA contract.
The Wizards are asking Ayton to sacrifice with no guarantee of contention. Washington won 17 games last season. They traded for Trae Young and Anthony Davis, but the plan is to rely heavily on talented youngsters. That is rarely a recipe for success in the NBA.
The Eastern Conference is loaded with talent. There are ten teams all believing they should make the playoffs and finish ahead of the Wizards. Only time will tell if they do, but it won’t be an easy road.
Ayton has millions of reasons to buy into his new role, and the biggest may be that his play will determine his future salary.
Deandre Ayton is playing for his next contract
Be it in Washington or somewhere else, Ayton is playing for a new contract. He opted into his $8.1 million player option with the Lakers before being traded. Ayton will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027.
Ayton can earn a larger contract by buying into his role and helping the Wizards win, but he may not see it that way. The 28-year-old has put up stats with a questionable impact on winning. Contenders want a big man that does the little things and is comfortable fitting into his role.
Thriving in a bench role behind Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr in the nation’s capital could revive Ayton’s market. It may go even higher if he steps up whenever the big man is asked to expand his playing time. Centers rarely come cheap in the modern NBA, so Ayton will draw interest. It is up to him on how much.
Deandre Ayton said the right things at Media Day, but the Washington Wizards should still be skeptical until he proves he is fully bought in. The seven-footer often says things right, but doesn’t always carry it over to the court. Ayton is a backup on this squad. Embracing that role is necessary for him to stick in Washington. DA could be one of the best backup big men in the NBA. All he has to do is embrace it.
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