Ayton was traded to the Wizards in exchange for Hardy and two second-round picks.

July 4th - According to ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers have reached a trade agreement with the Washington Wizards. The Lakers will send center Deandre Ayton to the Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks in 2031 and 2032.

After being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers last summer, Ayton joined the Los Angeles Lakers and quickly became the team's starting center. He started all 72 games he played this season, averaging 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game with a field goal percentage of 67.1%.

In the first round of the playoffs against the Rockets, Ayton averaged 11.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game, with a field goal percentage of 60.4%. However, in the second round series against the Thunder, he averaged only 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, with his field goal percentage dropping to 45.2%.

According to ESPN NBA insider Bobby Marks, the Washington Wizards can use their $13.4 million Kelly Olynyk trade exception to acquire Deandre Ayton, which expires on July 9. If the Wizards choose to use this exception, they will also receive a new trade exception worth approximately $6 million.

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