Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers Swap Centers; Hayes Moves to Salt Lake City
In a center exchange, the Utah Jazz have acquired Jaxson Hayes from the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $12 million deal, after previously trading Walker Kessler to Los Angeles in a sign-and-trade.
The Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers have completed a trade involving center players, with Jaxson Hayes heading to Utah. Hayes, formerly with the Lakers, signed a two-year contract worth $12 million, according to sports reporters. This move follows the earlier report that the Jazz had sent their starting center Walker Kessler to the Lakers in a sign-and-trade deal, receiving draft picks in return.
Hayes, who last regular season averaged 7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.8 blocks in 18.3 minutes per game over 66 appearances, is expected to serve as a backup rather than a starter. He shot an efficient 75.6% from the field. In the playoffs, he played 10 games, averaging 5.7 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 67.9%.
In Utah, Hayes will likely fill the void left by Kessler but will not carry the same workload. The trade reflects both teams' roster adjustments as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
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