Wizards reportedly add Deandre Ayton in trade with Lakers
NBA.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The Lakers traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks (2031 and 2032), continuing their frontcourt restructuring.
- Ayton, who averaged 12.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block per game in the 2025-26 season, had opted into his contract for 2026-27 before being moved after just one season with the Lakers.
- In Washington, Ayton will join a big man rotation featuring Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr, and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, strengthening the Wizards’ frontcourt.
- The Lakers, facing LeBron James’ decision to leave the team, are building around guard Austin Reaves, who recently signed a four-year, $185 million deal, alongside Luka Dončić and Walker Kessler.
- Additional offseason moves by the Lakers include acquiring Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Sandro Mamukelashvili to deepen their roster and support their evolving core.
