Lakers lose big man Jaxson Hayes to Utah Jazz in free agency

By Bilal Ahmed — 2 July 2026 — 3 min read

Lakers’ center rotation changes

The Los Angeles Lakers have seen a significant change in their center rotation with the departure of Jaxson Hayes, who has signed with the Utah Jazz. This move comes after the Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler from the Jazz in a trade involving multiple draft picks. Hayes’ new deal with the Jazz is reportedly for two years and $12 million, with the second year being a team option.

The Lakers’ decision to trade for Kessler was aimed at addressing what was perceived as a center problem for the team. Despite strong performances from players like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James, the Lakers reportedly faced inconsistencies from their starting center, Deandre Ayton, during the 2025-26 season. Ayton exercised a player option in his contract, which led to the Lakers pursuing Kessler.

The trade for Kessler involved the Lakers sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, to the Jazz. Kessler, however, missed a substantial portion of the 2025-26 season due to a shoulder injury. His career averages stand at 9.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, with 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game in his five appearances last season.

Hayes’ move to Utah

Hayes’ decision to sign with the Jazz means he is moving to the team that Kessler recently left. Hayes played in 66 games last season for the Lakers, averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, which are slightly above his career averages. He was a key part of the Lakers’ rotation over the last three years, known for his energy, athleticism, and motor, and was relied upon in the playoffs.

The Jazz’s acquisition of Hayes is seen as a move to fill the void left by Kessler’s departure. Hayes, a 7-foot rim-runner, was originally selected as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. During his four seasons with the Pelicans, he appeared in 241 games but never fully established himself as a long-term starter, with a career-high of 28 starts in a single campaign.

Hayes later joined the Lakers in free agency, where he primarily served as a reserve big man. In his time with the Lakers, he averaged 6.2 points and just under four rebounds per game. His career-high in starts came in the 2024-25 season, where he started 35 games. The Jazz are reportedly hoping that a new environment and increased opportunity will allow Hayes to fulfill the potential that made him a top-10 draft pick.

Impact on other teams

Hayes’ signing with the Jazz has also had implications for other teams, particularly the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks had reportedly been looking to trade Daniel Gafford, who was acquired in 2024 and has been the subject of trade rumors multiple times. The Jazz, after trading Kessler and possessing a significant stash of draft assets, were considered a potential destination for Gafford to fill their need for a big man.

However, with the Jazz signing Hayes, the possibility of them aggressively pursuing Gafford has reportedly diminished. The Jazz now plan to move forward with an inside duo of Jusuf Nurkic and Hayes. This development means the Mavericks will need to explore other options for trading Gafford, especially after their recent trade for Santi Aldama and drafting Morez Johnson Jr. with a lottery pick, further complicating Gafford’s long-term fit.

Hayes is also known to have a close relationship with Luka Doncic, to the extent of assisting Hayes in becoming a Slovenian citizen to play together internationally. His departure is considered a significant loss for the Lakers, as Doncic will miss his former pick-and-roll partner. The Salt Lake City Summer League is scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 4, featuring the Jazz, Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Source: sports.yahoo.com