Lakers Flip Deandre Ayton to Washington. Jaden Hardy Heads Back to L.A.

The Washington Wizards just picked up a former No. 1 overall pick. Deandre Ayton is headed to the capital after the Lakers traded him for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, according to Shams Charania.

Ayton spent one season in Los Angeles after signing a two-year, $16.2 million deal. He opted into the final year of that contract before the trade went down. The 27-year-old center averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds across 72 regular-season games while shooting a career-best 67.1% from the field. He also chipped in a block per game in about 27 minutes of action.

In the playoffs, Ayton held his own during the Lakers’ second-round exit against Oklahoma City. Ten games, 10.0 points and 9.6 rebounds on 54.8% shooting. Not flashy. But solid enough to be a reliable interior presence for a Wizards team that needs exactly that.

A reunion in L.A. for Hardy and Doncic

Hardy comes back to the Lakers after a short but productive stint in Washington. The 23-year-old guard arrived from Dallas in the Anthony Davis blockbuster at February’s trade deadline. In 23 games with the Wizards, he averaged 12.6 points and shot 39.7% from three. That kind of perimeter threat should fit nicely next to Luka Doncic, who Hardy already spent time with in Dallas before Doncic was traded to L.A.

The Lakers have been busy this offseason reshaping the roster around Doncic. Adding a young scorer like Hardy gives them another option on the wing without sacrificing much future capital — those second-rounders in 2031 and 2032 are far enough out they’re basically lottery tickets anyway.

For Washington, this is another piece in an ongoing retool. The Wizards have been stockpiling assets and taking fliers on veterans who can either help now or become trade chips later. Ayton fits both categories. He’s still young enough to be part of a rebuild but experienced enough to mentor whatever lottery pick ends up in D.C. next season.

One thing worth watching: Ayton’s contract is up after this year. If he plays well, the Wizards could flip him at the deadline or let him walk and free up cap space. Either way, this move gives them options.