Lakers
The Lakers officially announced the signing of center Deandre Ayton, formerly of the Trail Blazers and Suns.
“Acquiring a starting-caliber center was the top priority for us this offseason, and we believe Deandre is an amazing solution to that objective and is an ideal player to add to our current core,” GM Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “Deandre’s size, mobility and athleticism will allow both paint scoring and paint protection.
“Deandre’s playoff experience as a starter on an NBA Finals team also aligns well with our ultimate Lakers championship aspirations.”
Ayton was reportedly “motivated” to team up with Luka Donic in Los Angeles. Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Donic was the No. 3 pick that same year.
— Along with that, the Lakers officially announced the signing of forward Jake LaRavia, formerly of the Grizzlies and Kings. “Jake is a high IQ two-way player with ideal skills for a JJ Redick basketball system,” Pelinka said. “He’s a disruptive defender who uses his size and physicality to create turnovers. Offensively, he can score at all three levels and has a knack for creating space for himself and his teammates.”
— L.A. also signed second-round pick Adou Thiero (No. 36) to a standard deal, the team said. Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the deal is for three years and $5.95 million, or the rookie minimum. The first two years are guaranteed with a team option on the third.
Bucks
Free agent guard Ryan Rollins is returning to the Bucks on a three-year, $12 million deal, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Rollins’ return adds depth to a Milwaukee backcourt that lost Damian Lillard to an Achilles tear, followed by Lillard being waived to make room for center Myles Turner.
“Rollins, who just turned 23, carved out a role in Doc Rivers‘ rotation as a knockdown 3-point shooter; he averaged 6.2 points while shooting 40.8% from 3-point range in 56 games last season,” Charania wrote. “In his 19 starts in place of injured point guard Damian Lillard, Rollins’ numbers jumped to 10.2 points on 45.2% shooting from 3.”
Wizards
The Wizards have signed second-round pick Jamir Watkins to a two-way contract, according to the NBA’s official transaction log.
Watkins, the 43rd overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, was acquired from the Jazz in a deal that also brought in fellow prospect Will Riley and two future second-round picks. In return, the Jazz received the draft rights to Walter Clayton Jr.
A 6-foot-7 wing, Watkins began his college career with two seasons at VCU before transferring to Florida State, where he played his final two years. As a senior, he averaged 17.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting 33 percent from beyond the arc.
Watkins will split time between the Wizards and their G League affiliate under the terms of his two-way deal.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
