The Washington Wizards are making another bold move to reshape their roster, acquiring veteran center Deandre Ayton from the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade that also sends young guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round draft picks to Los Angeles, according to an ESPN report on Friday.
The deal gives Washington an experienced frontcourt presence while providing the Lakers with additional backcourt depth and future draft assets as both franchises continue to chart different paths entering the new NBA season.
Ayton, the top overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft, spent just one season with the Lakers after joining the team for the 2025-26 campaign. The 27-year-old center averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while starting all 72 games he played, serving as a reliable interior option throughout the season.
Now heading to Washington, Ayton is expected to bolster a young Wizards squad looking to accelerate its rebuild with a proven big man capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.
Across eight NBA seasons, Ayton has established himself as one of the league’s most productive centers. He owns career averages of 15.8 points and 10.1 rebounds in 470 games, with previous stops at the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, and Lakers.
The Lakers, meanwhile, receive 23-year-old guard Jaden Hardy, who has flashed scoring potential since entering the league in 2022. Hardy divided last season between the Dallas Mavericks and Wizards, averaging 9.2 points in 57 appearances, including four starts.
Known for his perimeter shooting, Hardy has converted 38.6 percent of his three-point attempts over his NBA career, giving Los Angeles another offensive weapon in the backcourt.
In addition to Hardy, the Lakers also secured Washington’s second-round selections in the 2031 and 2032 NBA Drafts, adding long-term flexibility as the franchise continues to reshape its roster.
The trade marks another significant offseason move for both organizations, with Washington banking on Ayton’s experience to strengthen its young core, while Los Angeles adds a promising guard and future draft capital as it continues to retool for the seasons ahead.