Washington Wizards Trade With Los Angeles Lakers for Backup Center

The search for a backup center appears to be over after the Washington Wizards opted to turn to the trade market.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Wizards are sending shooting guard Jaden Hardy and two second round picks in 2031 and 2032 to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for center Deandre Ayton, filling a key role in the frontcourt. Ayton is currently on the second year of a two year, $16.2 million contract.

Ayton arrives in Washington where he rounds out a frontcourt as the likely third big in the rotation behind Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr. Washington also returns Tristan Vukcevic, who inked a three year deal back in late February, along with Julian Reese and second round pick Felix Okpara. The arrival of Ayton also gives Washington an experienced big man in the rotation while Anthony Davis looks to become a more consistent piece in the starting lineup after missing over 75% of games over the last two seasons.

The signing also secures a third former top overall pick on the Wizards roster in 2026-27 alongside Anthony Davis and AJ Dybantsa.

Ayton, 27, arrives after averaging double figures scoring in each of his eight NBA seasons. The 7-footer played the 2025-26 regular season with the Los Angles Lakers, his lone season with the organization, where he averaged 12.5 points and eight rebounds. It also marked his only season in the league averaging fewer than ten rebounds per game, evidence of the impact that the former top overall pick can make in Washington. Ayton's departure from Los Angeles also materialized days after the organization signed former Jazz center Walker Kessler.

Ayton spent the first five seasons of his career with the Phoenix Suns where he averaged 18 points and ten rebounds in his final season with the organization before spending two seasons with the Trail Blazers, averaging a double-double each season.

Washington is also sending second round picks in 2031 and 2032, while the Wizards do lose the only player involved in the Anthony Davis trade who ended up suiting up for the Wizards during the 2025-26 where he stuck out in a limited role. Despite not starting in any of his 23 appearances, Hardy averaged 12.6 points while shooting 44.3% from the field and 42% from three in just over 20 minutes per game. Hardy was able to capitalize on minutes along a roster that battled injuries to close the regular season, giving the former second round pick a chance to show his quick scoring touch off the bench.

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