Dream Chaser: What role is Ayton expecting with an $8 million salary? Your pay determines your position on the team.

On February 28th Beijing time, Warriors player Draymond Green addressed the topic of Deandre Ayton on his latest podcast. Earlier, following a defeat to the Magic, Ayton was in low spirits and made a comment directed at Clint Capela, saying, "I am not a player like Capela!" Capela subsequently replied on social media: "You guys have two of the best floor generals, focus up brother!" Draymond shared his perspective on the matter as follows—

"Honestly, I don't understand what role Ayton thought he would have before joining the Lakers on an $8 million annual salary. But this is the situation of his career right now. He previously secured a major contract with the Suns, was later traded to the Trail Blazers where things didn't go well, ultimately reached a buyout, and then joined the Lakers—still getting $8 million per year even after the buyout, while most players only get minimum salaries after a buyout."

"Ayton and Luka Dončić share the same agent. Many agents leverage their star clients as bargaining chips to facilitate other deals. I don't know if that's the case with Ayton, but such things happen frequently in the league, and it makes logical sense."

"ButI really don't get what kind of role he's expecting when joining a team on an $8 million salary. How much you're paid typically dictates your role within the team.So I want to say to Ayton: Playing the role of a pick-and-roll finisher like Capela next to Luka Dončić could actually be very beneficial."

"And for a player earning $8 million a year who isn't on a top-10 rookie scale contract, it's pretty much impossible to expect a more significant role. Let's see how things develop, but for now, the tension seems to be escalating."

So far this season, Ayton has played 50 games for the Lakers, averaging 13 points and 8.4 rebounds per game with a field goal percentage of 66.5%.

Some fans shared a comparison of their career totals through their first 447 games: Ayton has more minutes played (13,656) and points scored (7,189) than Capela, but his rebounds, field goal percentage, and blocks are significantly lower.