Deandre Ayton trade grades: Lakers ship veteran center to Wizards, eye free agent replacement
CBS Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Los Angeles Lakers traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks, opting to seek another backup big man through free agency instead of retaining Ayton.
- Ayton, the 2018 No. 1 overall pick, averaged 12.5 points and eight rebounds last season with the Lakers but was not seen as a long-term starter, leading to the trade after the team acquired Walker Kessler.
- The Lakers view Hardy, a young 3-point shooter with scoring potential, and the additional draft picks as valuable assets to improve depth around their core players, while targeting cheaper backup centers in free agency.
- The Wizards, aiming to become more competitive, added Ayton to complement their roster featuring Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and recent top draft picks, hoping his efficient inside scoring can bolster their frontcourt.
- Both teams receive a grade of B for the trade: the Lakers for turning a surplus player into future assets and the Wizards for acquiring a productive veteran to strengthen their rebuilding roster.
