Home / Sports / Ayton Traded to Wizards for Hardy, Draft Picks
Ayton Traded to Wizards for Hardy, Draft Picks
3 Jul
Summary
- Deandre Ayton traded to Washington Wizards.
- Jaden Hardy acquired by Los Angeles Lakers.
- Wizards gain future draft picks in the deal.
The Washington Wizards have agreed to trade center Deandre Ayton to the Los Angeles Lakers for guard Jaden Hardy and their second-round picks in 2031 and 2032. This move addresses Washington's need for a capable big man, with Ayton expected to back up Alex Sarr and potentially start if Anthony Davis faces injuries. Ayton, who turns 28 on July 23, has one year remaining on his contract, with a guaranteed salary of $8.1 million for the 2026-27 season, making it a low-risk acquisition for the Wizards. Hardy, who will turn 24 on Sunday, was acquired by Washington in February and averaged 12.0 points while shooting 42.0 percent from three-point range for the team. The Lakers, having recently acquired Walker Kessler, are further clearing their roster and bolstering their asset chest with the incoming draft picks. Washington now boasts three No. 1 overall picks on their roster: Ayton, Davis, and AJ Dybantsa.
