Lakers Have Traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards
Los Angeles had been low on draft capital after strengthening their roster; but with one single move they were able to gain a little back. LA had made waves this week as LeBron James announced that he would not return to the franchise for another season; and GM Rob Pelinka took the additional cap space and made several solid moves. However, come Friday he had yet another up his sleeve. The Los Angeles Lakers have traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two Wizards second-round picks in 2031 and 2032.
In case you missed it, here is what went down for the purple and gold:
Lakers acquire Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030. Kessler signs a massive four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers.
Free agent F/C Sandro Mamukelashvili has agrees to a four-year, $52 million deal to sign with Los Angeles Lakers, with a player option for the fourth season.
Free agent guard Quentin Grimes agreed to a four-year, $60 million to join the Los Angeles Lakers, with a player option.
Lakers guard Marcus Smart has declined his $5.4 million player option and will become a free agent
As one can see, the Lakers were very active. Furthermore, on Monday (June 29) Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton chose to opt into his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Nonetheless, this did not deter LA from still moving forward with plans.
Lakers Have Traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Ayton trade stating,
“Just in: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two Wizards second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, sources tell ESPN.
The Lakers will now focus on finding Walker Kessler’s backup on the market — with centers such as Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Kevon Looney among those being considered, sources said.
The Wizards took a patient approach to the start of free agency and now land a durable, reliable center to join Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr in the frontcourt.
Lakers also pick up additional draft assets through this move — as they now are up to three second-rounders available to trade along with a future swap.”
Ayton averaged 12.5 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block per game in his lone season with the Lakers, playing a career-high 72 games. He originally signed a two-year, $16.2 million contract that included the option for the 2026-27 season. Ayton, who turns 28 on July 23, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns out of Arizona. The eight-year veteran now begins anew with Washington.
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