Gustavo Ayon has played for four different teams in his three seasons in the NBA, since earning a roster spot after going undrafted in 2007. Most recently, he was a backup big man for the Atlanta Hawks in 2013-14 and helped lead Mexico's national team to the Round of 16 in the 2014 FIBA World Cup before being eliminated by the United States' team in an 86-63 loss on Saturday. His play has warranted some interest in the possibilities of staying in the NBA, but it may make more financial sense for him to head overseas.
Marc Stein of ESPN.com is reporting that Ayon's preference is to remain in the NBA, but the offers from Europe are more lucrative. He just finished up a three-year, $4.5 million deal he signed with New Orleans when he broke into the league in 2011, making $1.5 million last season. With only a few weeks until training camp starts, he remains a free agent.
ESPN sources say Gustavo Ayon certainly prefers to play in NBA next season but at this point his offers from Europe have simply been richer
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) September 6, 2014
Ayon averaged 4.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 16.5 minutes for the Hawks last season. He was only able to play in 26 games for Atlanta. His 2013-14 campaign officially ended in late February after undergoing surgery to repair a shoulder injury. In the FIBA World Cup, Ayon was the top player for Mexico, helping them get to a 2-4 record overall and moving past the group stage. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.6 rebounds while making 61 percent of his field goal attempts.
He finished with a game-high 25 points in the loss to Team USA.
