The Washington Wizards continue to make their stamp on the trade market, this time filling a massive position of need with a former No. 1 overall pick.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Wizards have acquired Deandre Ayton from the Los Angeles Lakers for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks.
Ayton hasn't developed into the premier center at the next level that he was projected to be when he was selected as the top pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, but even then, he's proven to be a capable big man throughout the course of his career.
Between stops with the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, and most recently with the Lakers, Ayton has consistently struggled to find a home.
Still, it's not every day that you can land a 27-year-old 7-footer still in the midst of his prime for a ridiculously low price, which makes this swing for the Arizona product a no-brainer move for Washington.
Ayton's presence alone gives the Wizards one of the top backup big men in the league, and while that fills the biggest need on the roster, the acquisition of Ayton is less about what he brings to D.C. and more about Washington's approach moving forward.
Wizards are done settling, will make aggressive moves when they see fit
In addition to Ayton, the Wizards have landed Trae Young and Anthony Davis, all in a span of just a few months.
Between the names above, mixed with the addition of AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick to bolster an already stout young core, the Wizards' roster could legitimately make noise next season.
Washington entered the offseason needing to find a reliable backup option in the frontcourt, and after missing out on a reunion with Marvin Bagley III, it felt like the Wizards' most likely option would be to take a swing on one of the less attractive options in free agency.
However, instead of settling for taking a swing on a cheap backup big, the Wizards took the opportunity to absorb Ayton's contract, giving the talented big man another fresh start and the chance to play meaningful minutes.
Not to mention, landing Ayton grants Davis his wish to solely play at the power forward position, even when Alex Sarr is off the court.
Obviously, a potential reunion with Russell Westbrook is still in the cards, but even if Ayton is the lone addition this summer for Washington, it's safe to say this was a motivating sign for the future of this front office.
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