Deandre Ayton’s Trade to Wizards Brings out Jokes Surrounding the Lakers – “Pelinka Finally Got AD a Center”

Deandre Ayton saw his time with the Los Angeles Lakers come to an end after one season.

Deandre Ayton’s Trade to Wizards Brings out Jokes Surrounding the Lakers – “Pelinka Finally Got AD a Center”

Deandre Ayton (Image credits - Firstsportz)

It looks like Deandre Ayton‘s stint with the Los Angeles Lakers was short-lived. After an inconsistent 2025-26 campaign with the purple and gold last season, the Lakers decided to trade their center to the Washington Wizards.

Ayton was drafted by the Phoenix Suns as the number one pick in the 2018 NBA draft. He was picked ahead of the likes of Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Trae Young that year. Hence, there were high expectations surrounding the big man when he joined the NBA. Unfortunately, that has not really been the case after eight seasons.

NBA insider Shams Charania was the first to report that Ayton has been traded to the Wizards.

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.

Shams Charania on X

The Lakers deciding to trade Deandre Ayton may come as a surprise to some. A few days ago, Ayton opted for the player option and signed an $8.1 million deal. It seemed like a good deal for the Lakers as they continued their search for a center with Ayton as a backup, but it looks like they had other plans.

Ayton’s move to the Lakers in the offseason last year was questioned by many. But the 27-year-old saw it as an opportunity to redeem himself, and there was no better club to do it in than the Lakers.

However, Ayton saw all his numbers drop to a career low last season. In 72 appearances in the regular season, he averaged 12.5 points, eight rebounds, and one block. The center was under severe pressure and faced constant criticism for his lack of consistency. But it looks like he will not be under the bright lights in LA anymore.

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Fans react to Deandre Ayton’s move to the Washington Wizards

Ayton joined the Lakers hoping to resuscitate his career. But unfortunately, he blew it despite playing with the likes of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Both players who are known for their incredible vision and passing ability.

Just a few days after signing a one-year player option, Ayton’s trade to the Wizards got social media buzzing in no time.

Fans were quite surprised by the trade. However, many believed that he could be a decent backup option for Walker Kessler, who joined the Lakers a few days ago.

Kendrick Perkins has a strong message for Deandre Ayton

When the Suns traded away Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers, it was a big step down in his young NBA career. But after two seasons in Portland, he was given a golden chance to start over. With Doncic and James pulling the strings, Ayton could not have asked for a better opportunity. But he failed to capitalize on it.

Deandre Ayton
Deandre Ayton (Image credits – Los Angeles Times)

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins fired a warning to Ayton regarding his future in the league.

This is a good pick up for Wizards because he is making only $8 million a year. But Deandre Ayton, this is a moment for you to have a level of accountability because right now you have one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel when it comes to your NBA career. You are a former number one pick. The Suns gave up on you and Portland gave up on you. He has to adjust his attitude and himself.

Kendrick Perkins on SportsCenter

Ayton’s move to the Wizards sees him join forces with another former Lakers big man, Anthony Davis. Davis was traded to the Wizards from the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline this year.

Davis was vocal about wanting to play alongside a center during his time with the Lakers, as he was not keen on playing every game as a center. There have been talks regarding his future in Washington but Davis reiterated his desire to stay a couple of months ago. It will be interesting to see how Ayton and Davis play alongside each other.

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