Hayes joins Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz have reached an agreement with free agent center Jaxson Hayes, who previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers. The deal is for two years and is valued at $12 million, with the second year including a team option. This move addresses the Jazz’s need for a center after their recent trade activity.
Hayes confirmed the news, which was initially reported by Tim MacMahon of ESPN, by reposting it on his Instagram story. His caption expressed enthusiasm for joining the Jazz, stating, “Excited to get to work. Let’s go Jazz.”
The signing of Hayes marks the Jazz’s first external free agent acquisition this offseason. It follows their earlier agreement on a two-year contract with Jusuf Nurkić, valued at $22 million. Hayes is expected to provide depth at the center position for the Jazz, potentially serving as a backup.
Impact of the trade and signing
Hayes’ departure from the Lakers comes after the team acquired center Walker Kessler from the Jazz in a trade. The Lakers sent multiple draft picks to Utah for Kessler, including unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030. Kessler’s arrival was seen as a solution to the Lakers’ center issues, which had been highlighted by inconsistent performances from starting center Deandre Ayton during the 2025-26 season.
Ayton exercised his player option, leading the Lakers to trade for Kessler and limiting their options regarding big men. Coincidentally, Hayes chose to sign with the Jazz, the team Kessler had just left. This sequence of events effectively saw the Jazz acquire Hayes and the Lakers’ draft assets, while the Lakers received Kessler, who missed a significant portion of the 2025-26 season due to a shoulder injury.
Hayes played in 66 games last season, averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, which are slightly above his career averages. For his career, Hayes holds averages of 6.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. He also started nine games for the Lakers last season and has accumulated 49 starts during his three seasons with the team.
Kessler, despite his injury-shortened season, averaged 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds in his five games played last season. His career averages stand at 9.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. While Kessler’s addition is considered an improvement at the center position for the Lakers, the financial aspect of paying more than $30 million per year for Kessler compared to Hayes’ $6 million remains a point of consideration.
Hayes’ career and role with the Jazz
Hayes, who is 26 years old, spent three seasons with the Lakers after playing his first four NBA career seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. He was the 8th-overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. His move to the Jazz provides them with a rim-rolling big man who possesses solid size and length.
The Jazz had money available to spend in the free agent market due to their $15 million mid-level exception, which they utilized in part to bring in Hayes. This signing provides the Jazz with a flexible, short-term option for center depth. Hayes is expected to fill a backup role behind Nurkić or Jaren Jackson Jr., depending on the team’s starting lineup structure.
While Hayes offers depth and some playoff experience, he is not considered a direct replacement for Kessler’s defensive and rebounding prowess. The Jazz’s decision to sign Hayes allows them to address their center position after trading Kessler, and they still have approximately $9 million remaining from their mid-level exception, indicating potential for further free agent moves. Hayes’ signing provides the Jazz with a seven-year veteran to bolster their frontcourt.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
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