Wizards reportedly add Deandre Ayton in trade with Lakers

The Washington Wizards have acquired center Deandre Ayton from the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade, with Washington sending guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks (2031 and 2032) to Los Angeles. Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick, averaged 12.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block per game in 72 starts during the 2025-26 season with the Lakers. The move marks Ayton's fourth NBA team, and the Lakers will now focus on finding a backup center for Walker Kessler, with names like Andre Drummond and Jonas Valanciunas under consideration.