The veteran center instantly becomes a surprise addition to a free agent market thinned by reported re-signings. The 26-year-old big man is coming off arguably the poorest season of his career, tying a career low in scoring (14.4 ppg) while playing in just 40 games with Portland last season.

Portland joins Phoenix as teams that have calculated that Ayton’s baggage — a lack of health and maturity — isn’t worth his talent.

Ayton was traded in a package that included forward Toumani Camara for center Jusuf Nurkic, forward Nassir Little, guard Keon Johnson and guard Grayson Allen, acquired when the Blazers sent Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks for Holiday and picks.