Deandre Ayton (Image: Timber Wolves)
Deandre Ayton is headed to the Washington Wizards just days after he exercised his player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers will get Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks in 2031 and 2032.
Just days ago, Ayton, a veteran center, exercised his $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season. The former No. 1 overall pick in 2018 now has the opportunity to rebuild his value ahead of 2027 free agency.
He appeared in 72 games during the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 12.5 points and eight rebounds. He showed flashes of the dominance that made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, but questions remain about his motor and reliability in key moments.
The Lakers found their center in Walker Kessler to work with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
For Ayton, the decision is about more than just securing a guaranteed paycheck. He remains relatively productive at age 27 and possesses many traits teams want in a big man, but questions about his consistency persist.
Criticisms of Ayton include inconsistency in rebounding, questionable effort, and a lack of aggressiveness rolling to the rim—especially when Dončić is directing him to do so and catch lobs. Concerns about his hands have also persisted.
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