Lakers Trade Deandre Ayton to Wizards for Jaden Hardy and Future Draft Picks

The Los Angeles Lakers have traded center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and the Wizards’ second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, league sources confirmed toThe Athletic. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been completed.

The Lakers continue to reshape their roster following last season’s 53-win campaign that saw them fall in the second round of the playoffs.

Washington addressed a key post-draft need by adding Ayton, who will serve as the primary backup at center behind Alex Sarr in the Nation’s Capital. Ayton also provides depth if Anthony Davis misses time due to injury, which appears likely given Davis has played 70-plus games in only three of his 14 NBA seasons.

The trade replenishes what had become a sparse Lakers asset pool, leaving them with just one remaining tradeable second-round pick and one first-round pick swap following the recent acquisition of Walker Kessler.

Wizards officials viewed adding Ayton—who turns 28 on July 23—as a low-risk move given his expiring contract worth $8.1 million for the 2026-27 season. After other veteran big men secured deals elsewhere in free agency, Washington determined a trade was the best path to bolstering their frontcourt depth.

Ayton, acquired by Portland in the Damian Lillard sign-and-trade and subsequently bought out, averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds during his single season with the Lakers. His presence contributed to the team’s first-round playoff victory over the Houston Rockets.

Hardy, 23, rejoins the Wizards after being shipped from Dallas alongside Davis in February’s blockbuster. He provided scoring punch off the bench, averaging 12.0 points while shooting 42.0 percent from three-point range.

The Lakers, who already pursued Kessler via sign-and-trade and are eyeing additional wing defense options including Jonathan Kuminga, now need to identify a backup for Kessler in free agency.

Washington adds Ayton to their young core featuring Davis and 2025 No. 1 overall selection AJ Dybantsa.

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