Jaxson Hayes Reportedly 'Didn't Have Much of a Market' Before New Lakers Contract
Jaxson Hayes re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year deal on Monday, and he reportedly didn't have much of a choice besides his former team.
NBA insider Jovan Buha said on his podcast Monday that the market wasn't too big for Hayes. He also said the Lakers perhaps jumped the gun on signing Hayes, rather than finding a way to use the bi-annual exception.
"My understanding was he did not have much of a market, so I don't think he was going anywhere," Buha said. "...I think the Lakers could have figured out this bi-annual exception situation first and then signed Jaxson Hayes."
Hayes spent the first four years of his career with the New Orleans Pelicans before joining the Lakers in 2023. His time in Los Angeles has been a bit disappointing so far, as he put up just 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season, though he did shoot a career-high 72.2 percent from the field.
After starting more than half of his games during the regular season, he was a non-factor in the first round of the playoffs, averaging just 7.5 minutes per game off the bench as the Lakers fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.
Had he decided not to sign with Los Angeles, it seems Hayes wouldn't have had too many other options in free agency. Luckily for him, the Lakers need depth in the frontcourt, and Hayes will look to make the most of his one-year deal.
But as Buha noted, Los Angeles rushing into a deal for Hayes might end up being a costly decision heading into the rest of the offseason.
By signing Hayes to a $3.4 million contract, the Lakers are unable to use the full $5.1 million bi-annual exception unless they waive Shake Milton or Jordan Goodwin. The team could also get access to the bi-annual exception by shedding salaries through a trade.
Buha noted that a consolidation trade involving Milton and potentially Gabe Vincent or Maxi Kleber is something the Lakers are "looking into."
Los Angeles is hoping to build a roster capable of competing for a title now while also keeping the focus on a future centered around Luka Dončić, so taking advantage of the bi-annual exception is a good way to cut costs as the team prepares for bigger offseasons down the road. How Rob Pelinka and the Lakers' front office will make the bi-annual exception work this year is to be seen.
