35.55 million Ayton bought out! The Warriors are interested in trading him before the deadline? Two reporters started to tear up

According to ESPN's famous reporter Shams, several sources revealed that the No. 2 pick Ayton and the Trail Blazers finalized the buyout agreement and became free agents after passing the clarification period. In the 2025-26 season, Ayton's salary was $35.55 million.

US media Ball Report said that sources revealed that the Warriors expressed interest in Ayton during the trading deadline.

ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel forwarded and "refuted the rumors". He said: "Before the transaction deadline, no team was interested in trading Ayton, and all he was not traded. The Trail Blazers are willing to terminate his contract at all costs. He can fully confirm that the Warriors never called Portland about Ayton in February."

Brett Siegel also followed up and said: "About Ayton's deal? As far as I'm concerned, there is no. The Trail Blazers have received calls from other teams, but there is no such thing as Ayton. Only after he buys out the contract will he be interested in him, which is now."

Ball Report even pushed the response to Brett Siegel: "Brett Siegel has made many mistakes before, so it is ridiculous that he tries to discredit us. We insist on our reports—the Warriors have indeed paid attention to Ayton’s situation. Maybe Brett just didn’t pay much attention and didn’t hear it.”