The Los Angeles Lakers were pleasantly surprised to receive two future second-round picks when they traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards this offseason, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.
Los Angeles sent Ayton to Washington for Jaden Hardy and second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, only days after the center exercised his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
Woike reported that a rival NBA executive viewed the deal favorably for Los Angeles, while the Lakers themselves did not necessarily expect to recover meaningful draft capital.
"On the surface, the move was a big win for a Lakers team that was looking for outs after Ayton picked up his player option. Whether or not Hardy matters this season, the draft capital brought in was a pleasant surprise for the Lakers' front office."
The two second-rounders were particularly useful after the Lakers had depleted much of their available draft capital in other offseason moves.
Los Angeles was down to one tradeable second-round pick and one pick swap after completing its deal for Walker Kessler.
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix
Lakers moved on after one season with Ayton
Ayton had originally signed a two-year, $16.2 million contract with the Lakers in 2025, with the second season coming as a player option. He exercised that option before being traded to Washington.
The former No. 1 overall pick averaged 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 72 games, starting every appearance during his only season in Los Angeles.
Rather than keeping Ayton as a backup, the Lakers moved forward with Kessler as their new starting center after acquiring him from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade.
Los Angeles gave up two future first-round picks and two first-round swaps in the deal before signing Kessler to a four-year, approximately $129 million contract.