The Los Angeles Lakers are continuing their busy offseason by trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks in 2031 and 2032.
The NBA world had contrasting takes as news broke of the center’s rough spell with the Lakers ending.
NBA World Reacts as Los Angeles Lakers Trade Deandre Ayton
Ayton signed with the Lakers on a two-year deal in 2025 and exercised his $8.1 million player option to return to the franchise ahead of next season. However, the Lakers have decided to move on from the center, who averaged 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks as a starter last season.
NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news of the trade on social media.
“Just in: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two Wizards second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, sources tell ESPN,” he wrote on X.
Just in: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two Wizards second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/bAEtSFpTNi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2026
Fans were quick to share their reactions to the trade, with one influencer noting it was a good deal for the Lakers, as they used his salary to clear roster space and acquire assets.
“I thought the Lakers were going to have to waive and stretch Ayton, this is a good trade for them,” they wrote.
I thought the Lakers were going to have to waive and stretch Ayton, this is a good trade for them https://t.co/0NovVsyRKV
— Matt (@sixringsofsteeI) July 3, 2026
A New York Knicks fan shared their reaction to the news amid speculation that the NBA champions had interest in signing Ayton.
“My heart dropped omg,” they wrote.
My heart dropped omg https://t.co/Vb2iiCKwE9
— jaycee (@jayceepxrez) July 3, 2026
One Lakers influencer gave the move a seal of approval.
“Okay this is a good move,” they wrote.
Okay this is a good move https://t.co/5M5eBUu4U6
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) July 3, 2026
NBA analyst Yossi Gozlan noted that this move helps the Lakers gain draft assets and spend more on free agents.
“The Lakers get some much-needed draft equity. They now have 3 second-round picks available to trade along with their 2032 first-round pick swap. They also save $2.1 million which will help facilitate fitting all their free agent signings within their cap space,” he wrote.
The Lakers get some much-needed draft equity. They now have 3 second-round picks available to trade along with their 2032 first-round pick swap.
They also save $2.1 million which will help facilitate fitting all their free agent signings within their cap space. https://t.co/Dpw5JpiY9H
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) July 3, 2026
Wizards journalist Greg Finberg also reacted to the news, with Ayton likely to serve as Anthony Davis’ backup in Washington.
“Well there’s your backup center. Wow,” he wrote.
Well there’s your backup center.
— Greg Finberg (@GregFinberg) July 3, 2026
Ayton, who started his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns, was set to lose his starting spot with the Lakers after they acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. He will look to make a fresh start with the Wizards, who have rejigged their roster with Davis, Trae Young, and No. 1 draft pick AJ Dybantsa.
