Wizards Anchor Roster with Khris Middleton, Deandre Ayton in Historic Six-Team Trade
A historic six-team trade has been completed, sending Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards via sign-and-trade and Deandre Ayton from the Lakers to Washington, while DâAngelo Russell joins the Grizzlies. The mega deal, involving multiple players and draft picks, marks one of the most complex transactions of the NBA offseason and significantly reshapes several teamsâ rosters.
Wizards Land Khris Middleton, Lakers Send Deandre Ayton to Washington in Six-Team Mega Deal
A historic six-team trade has reshaped several NBA depth charts, headlined by Khris Middletonâs move to the Washington Wizards via sign-and-trade and Deandre Aytonâs departure from the Los Angeles Lakers to Washington as part of the same sprawling transaction.
Multiple outlets have detailed the framework of the mega deal and its key components, with the Wizards emerging as one of the biggest beneficiaries by adding championship-tested veterans to their roster.
How the Six-Team Trade Came Together
Reports describe one of the largest multi-team trades in league history, with six franchises exchanging players, draft picks and future assets in a single, coordinated move.
Within that structure:
- The Washington Wizards acquired Khris Middleton on a three-year, $17.6 million contract via sign-and-trade, giving them an experienced wing with a history of high-level postseason play.
- As part of the broader transaction, the Los Angeles Lakers traded center Deandre Ayton to the Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks (2031 and 2032).
- DâAngelo Russell moved to the Memphis Grizzlies, providing another veteran ballhandler and playmaker in their backcourt rotation.
Coverage of the trade underscores its scale, with a mix of star names, rotation players and multiple picks changing hands as teams continue to retool ahead of the 2026-27 season.