Lakers ship DeAndre Ayton to Washington for Jaden Hardy, two seconds

The Lakers traded Deandre Ayton to Washington in early July for Jaden Hardy and 2031 and 2032 second-round picks. Dan Woike of The Athletic reports the front office did not expect to land draft capital at all, having simply wanted out after Ayton exercised his $8.1 million option.

An anonymous rival executive told Woike the return still ranked as underwhelming league-wide. Los Angeles enters the season with Kevon Looney backing up Walker Kessler at center instead.

Ayton LAL → WAS | Hardy WAS → LAL

+ 3 reports from 3 outlets

Heavy · 23 Sept 2026Lakers front office was pleasantly surprised by Ayton return, Woike says

Yahoo Sports · 21 Sept 2026Lakers surprised by return of two seconds in Ayton-Hardy deal

Basketball-Reference · 7 Jul 2026Lakers ship Deandre Ayton to Washington for Jaden Hardy, two seconds

Deandre Ayton Jaden Hardy

Related updates

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.

Basketball-Reference ↗· 6 Jul 2025

Contract signing · LAL

Done deal

Lakers sign DeAndre Ayton to multi-year deal

The Lakers have signed center Deandre Ayton to a multi-year contract. No terms disclosed.

Heavy ↗· 24 Sept 2026

Trade rumor · DAL / LAL

Developing

Trade idea sends Washington to LA for Knecht, Vanderbilt and a pick

A trade proposal from Basketnews.com would send PJ Washington from Dallas to the Lakers for Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt and a 2032 second-round pick originally acquired from Washington in the Deandre Ayton deal.