Lakers trade Deandre Ayton to Wizards for Jaden Hardy and future picks
ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 3, 2026, 6:07 PM
Last updated Jul 3, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers are trading center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks. Ayton opted into his $8.1 million player option just days prior, and the trade follows the Lakers’ acquisition of Walker Kessler. The move appears to provide Ayton a chance to secure a starting role, partnering with Anthony Davis in Washington. The Lakers gain a young guard in Hardy, who averaged 12.6 points with the Wizards last season, along with valuable draft capital for future transactions.
- •Ayton traded to Wizards for Hardy and two future draft picks.
- •Lakers acquired Walker Kessler prior to the trade.
- •Ayton opted into an $8.1 million player option.
- •Hardy averaged 12.6 points after joining the Wizards.
- •Lakers gain flexibility for future roster moves.
- 6:54 PMESPN — Sources: Lakers trading center Ayton to Wizards
- 5:59 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers Trade Deandre Ayton to Wizards, Acquire Jaden Hardy and Future Picks
"The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly made another offseason move, trading center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
"The Lakers are trading center Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and a pair of future second-round picks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Sources
External links- ESPNJul 3, 2026, 6:54 PMSources: Lakers trading center Ayton to Wizards
The Lakers are trading center Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and a pair of future second-round picks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
- Yahoo SportsJul 3, 2026, 5:59 PMLakers Trade Deandre Ayton to Wizards, Acquire Jaden Hardy and Future Picks
The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly made another offseason move, trading center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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