Heavy ↗· 29 Sept 2026
Trade rumor · LAL / WAS
Done deal
Ayton says he's excited for fresh start with Wizards
Deandre Ayton was traded from the Lakers to Washington in July after exercising his player option, following a season that fell short of expectations in Los Angeles. At Wizards media day, Ayton said he's excited about the move and welcomed the chance to play alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
He said he's willing to fill whatever role coach Brian Keefe needs, starting or off the bench. The Lakers received Johnny Hardy and two second-round picks in the deal, a haul The Athletic's Dan Woike reported one rival executive called better than expected for L.A.
Ayton LAL → WAS | Hardy WAS → LAL
