Lakers agree to trade Deandre Ayton to Wizards for Jaden Hardy, picks: Sources
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to trade center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and the Wizards’ second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, pending completion of the deal.
- Ayton will serve as a primary backup center for the Wizards, providing depth behind Alex Sarr and potentially starting if Anthony Davis is injured, addressing Washington’s need for a durable big man.
- The Lakers continue to reshape their roster after a 53-win season by acquiring second-round picks to bolster their limited trade assets following the recent addition of Walker Kessler.
- Ayton’s contract has one year remaining at a guaranteed $8.1 million, making the trade a low-risk move for the Wizards, who missed out on free-agent bigs recently signed elsewhere.
- Jaden Hardy, a 24-year-old guard who averaged 12 points and shot 42% from three-point range off the bench for the Wizards, will join the Lakers as they seek to add a backup for Kessler and potentially a wing defender like Jonathan Kuminga.
