Knicks Reportedly Got 'Positive Feedback' Investigating Ayton Before Lakers Contract

The New York Knicks reportedly received strong reviews from the Portland Trail Blazers regarding Deandre Ayton before the center signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to SNY's Ian Begley, New York did some "background work" on Ayton and came away with "positive feedback from Portland about Ayton’s leadership with some of the younger Blazers."

Multiple members of the Knicks organization viewed Ayton as a fit next to star center Karl-Anthony Towns before he joined Los Angeles, per Begley.

The 26-year-old ended up signing a two-year contract worth $16.6 million with the Lakers.

Ayton entered free agency after he was waived by Portland.

The Trail Blazers parted ways with the center following issues that included tardiness to practices, skipping rehab appointments and tantrums in the locker room when he was sidelined for poor effort, per Jason Quick of The Athletic.

Still, it appears as though Portland was impressed with the way he helped lead the team's young players and didn't disparage him when speaking to other organizations.

Now, Ayton will be joining a Lakers squad that is looking to return to the playoffs after suffering a first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves last season.

Ayton, who averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game during his 2024-25 campaign, should provide offensive production around the basket and on mid-range jumpers.

The Knicks ultimately went in a different direction to fortify their frontcourt, signing power forward Guerschon Yabusele to a two-year contract worth $12 million on Tuesday.