NBA Rumors: Barcelona Buys Gustavo Ayón's Rights, but Center to Remain with Orlando Magic, Says Agent

FC Barcelona Regal indeed purchased the rights to Orlando Magic center Gustavo Ayón, as first rumored in early October, but Emilio Durán, Ayón's agent, confirmed to ESPN Deportes on Saturday that his client intends to remain in the NBA.

"Fuenlabrada sold the rights to Barcelona, but it doesn't mean anything," Durán told ESPN Deportes' René Tovar¹. "The amount paid between the two teams resulted in no interference. It's clear that Ayón is in the NBA for now. He is content and wishes to stay in the NBA for many years."

Ayón joined the Magic in July, as Orlando sent Ryan Anderson to the New Orleans Hornets in a sign-and-trade transaction for the Mexican-born center. He has two seasons worth $1.5 million each remaining on his contract, but neither is fully guaranteed.

New Orleans signed Ayón as a free agent prior to the 2011/12 campaign, during which he became the third Mexican-born player in NBA history. Fuenlabrada owned Ayón's rights as it is the team for which he played prior to signing with the Hornets. If Ayón returns to Liga ACB play, it will be in a Barça uniform.

¹: The original, Spanish-language text is produced below:

Los derechos se vendieron de Fuenlabrada al Barcelona pero no tiene absolutamente nada que ver . Pagaron esa cantidad entre clubes y no tenemos ninguna injerencia, lo cierto es que en estos momentos está en NBA . Él está contento y espera mantenerse muchos años en la NBA."

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