Career Timeline of Deandre Ayton: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Deandre Ayton, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Deandre Ayton is a Bahamian professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. He was a highly-rated prospect coming out of high school, playing one year at the University of Arizona where he was named Pac-12 Player of the Year. The Phoenix Suns selected Ayton with the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2019. A significant achievement in his career was helping the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021 for the first time since 1993. He now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: Suns Last NBA Finals Appearance

In 1993, was the last time before 2021 that the Phoenix Suns made an NBA Finals appearance.

2007: Shawn Marion's Performance

In January 2021, Ayton became the first Suns player since Shawn Marion in 2007 to record at least 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks in a single game.

2009: Suns First Eight-Game Winning Streak Since 2009-10

Ayton helped the Suns achieve their first eight-game winning streak since the 2009-10 season, ending the regular season with a 34-39 record.

2010: Playoff Berth Since 2010

In 2021, Ayton helped Phoenix clinch their first playoff berth since 2010.

2014: Balboa School Basketball

In 2014, Ayton started on the varsity basketball team for Balboa School in California.

2015: Transfer to Hillcrest Prep Academy

In 2015, Ayton transferred to Hillcrest Prep Academy in Phoenix, Arizona.

2015: Top Prospect in High School

In 2015, Ayton was ranked as the top prospect in high school by Scout.

September 6, 2016: Commitment to Arizona Wildcats

On September 6, 2016, Ayton committed to play for the Arizona Wildcats.

2016: Nike Hoop Summit

In 2016, Ayton represented the World Select team and played at the Nike Hoop Summit.

November 10, 2017: University of Arizona Debut

On November 10, 2017, Ayton made his debut with the University of Arizona, recording 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a win over the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks.

December 9, 2017: Season-High Points and Rebounds

On December 9, 2017, Ayton recorded a season-high 29 points and 18 rebounds in a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

December 30, 2017: Season-High Rebounds Against Arizona State

On December 30, 2017, Ayton recorded a season-high 19 rebounds against the Arizona State Sun Devils.

2017: Five-Star Recruit

In 2017, Ayton was a consensus five-star prospect and a McDonald's All-American. He played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats and earned Pac-12 Player of the Year honors.

2017: Top-Tier Class of 2017 Player

In 2017, Ayton was a top-tier Class of 2017 player.

2017: Top Prospect in 2017 Recruiting Class

In 2017, Ayton was considered one of the top prospects by multiple scouting websites.

January 20, 2018: Tied Freshman Block Record

On January 20, 2018, Ayton blocked six shots against Stanford, tying him for the most blocks in Arizona freshman single game history.

March 3, 2018: NBA Draft Announcement

On March 3, 2018, after the game against California, coach Sean Miller honored Ayton, Alkins, and Trier with confirmations that they would enter the 2018 NBA draft.

April 26, 2018: Signs with Agent

On April 26, 2018, Ayton announced he signed with agent Nima Namakian.

June 21, 2018: Drafted #1 Overall by Phoenix Suns

On June 21, 2018, the Phoenix Suns selected Ayton with the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft.

July 1, 2018: Joins Suns Summer League Squad

On July 1, 2018, Ayton joined the 2018 NBA Summer League Suns squad.

October 17, 2018: NBA Debut

On October 17, 2018, Ayton made his NBA debut, recording a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in a win over the Dallas Mavericks.

2018: Teammate with Marvin Bagley III

In 2018, Ayton became teammates with Marvin Bagley III, the #2 pick of the 2018 NBA draft.

2018: NBA Draft

In 2018, Ayton was selected with the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns.

January 29, 2019: Rising Stars Challenge

On January 29, 2019, Ayton was named to the World Team for the Rising Stars Challenge in the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend.

2019: NBA All-Rookie First Team

In 2019, Ayton was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

January 3, 2020: Returns as Starter

On January 3, 2020, Ayton returned as a starter for the Suns in a game against the New York Knicks.

2021: Playoff Berth

In 2021, Ayton helped Phoenix clinch their first playoff berth since 2010.

2021: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2021, Ayton helped lead the Phoenix Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1993.

March 23, 2022: Ayton scores career-high 35 points

On March 23, 2022, Deandre Ayton achieved a career-high 35 points, making 15 of 24 field goal attempts, and secured 14 rebounds in the Phoenix Suns' 125–116 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

July 14, 2022: Ayton signs offer sheet with Indiana Pacers

On July 14, 2022, Deandre Ayton, unable to agree to a contract extension with the Phoenix Suns, signed a four-year, $133 million offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers as a restricted free agent, making it the largest offer sheet in league history.

July 18, 2022: Ayton signs multi-year contract with the Suns

On July 18, 2022, Deandre Ayton signed a multi-year contract with the Phoenix Suns, after the team matched the offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers.

February 4, 2023: Ayton ties season-high with 31 points

On February 4, 2023, Deandre Ayton tied his season-high by scoring 31 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in a 116–110 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

September 27, 2023: Ayton traded to Portland Trail Blazers

On September 27, 2023, Deandre Ayton, along with Toumani Camara and a 2029 first-round draft pick, was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. This trade was part of a three-team deal that sent Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, and Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkić, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson to the Phoenix Suns.

June 29, 2025: Ayton and Trail Blazers reach buyout agreement

On June 29, 2025, Deandre Ayton and the Trail Blazers agreed to a buyout, making him a free agent. This decision followed concerns about Ayton's bad habits, including tardiness and skipped appointments.

July 6, 2025: Ayton signs with the Los Angeles Lakers

On July 6, 2025, Deandre Ayton signed a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, including a player option for the second season.

December 2025: Ayton wins NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award

In December 2025, Deandre Ayton was announced as the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for November. This award recognized his efforts in hurricane relief for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa and his work to promote food access and cultural equity in Los Angeles. A $20,000 donation was made to the Ayton Family Foundation in recognition of his work.

January 18, 2026: Ayton scores 25 points on perfect shooting

On January 18, 2026, Deandre Ayton scored 25 points on 10-for-10 shooting while adding 13 rebounds in the Lakers' 110–93 victory over the Toronto Raptors. He became the 34th player in NBA history to achieve at least 10 shots without a miss while also grabbing at least 10 rebounds.