The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to trade Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Jaden Hardy and the Wizards’ 2031 and 2032 second-round picks, according to ESPN.
Following the deal, the Lakers are expected to continue searching for a backup center behind Walker Kessler.
League sources say Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, and Kevon Looney are among the veterans under consideration.
For Washington, the move comes after a patient start to free agency.
The Wizards add a dependable and durable center in Ayton, who is expected to strengthen a frontcourt that already features Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr.
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.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2026
The Wizards took a patient approach to the start of free agency and now land a… https://t.co/3GEA9Wx7gY
