Jaxson Hayes Returns to Lakers with No-Trade Clause Under His Belt

Jaxson Hayes was expected to leave the Los Angeles Lakers after expressing his unhappiness with his usage during the playoffs.

Jaxson Hayes Returns to Lakers with No-Trade Clause Under His Belt

Jaxson Hayes gets no-trade clause after signing with Lakers (Image via FirstSportz)

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The Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of reinforcements if they are to become competitive enough to take on the ever improving Western Conference. LeBron James and Luka Doncic require help, and the first order of business was to sign an elite center alongside Jaxson Hayes.

They were linked with several free agents and young centers, however, the franchise is both strapped for cap space, and tradable assets. That is what prompted that to let go of their pursuit of Walker Kessler and signed Deandre Ayton off waivers.

The former No. 1 overall pick might not be what many expect to be an elite Lakers center, but with some good coaching and motivation from his elite teammates, Ayton could fulfill his potential. However, he is not enough as the franchise requires backups.

Last season, the team at times had 3 or 4 centers. That was because they were not fully convinced of Jaxson Hayes’ ability to lead the line after Anthony Davis departed. This season, they do not have much of a luxury and decided to keep the 25-year-old as backup.

They signed him to a one-year deal, which means it is both an inexpensive at possibly just $2.8 million, and also sensible, considering he knows the system in and out. Many would feel the Lakers essentially made him a prime tradable asset.

Jaxson Hayes’ no-trade clause explained

Hayes became a part of the Los Angeles Lakers back in 2023, when he signed a 2-year, $4.6 million deal. Even though he was part of many trade possibilities, the arrival of new head coach JJ Redick stopped any possible move.

The two were teammates at the New Orleans Pelicans, and the franchise understood that Hayes’ presence will help Redick’s plan materialize faster. Now that he has chosen to continue wearing purple and gold, he inherits a no-trade clause, as explained by Trevor Lane.

It happens with every 1 year deal for a player getting 3 years or more seasons consecutively with any team because they acquire Bird right at that point and those would be lost with a trade. So the player has a chance to stop a trade since their Bird rights would be lost. Devean George did it back in the day.

Trevor Lane explained on X

This means Hayes can avoid being forced into a trade this upcoming season. However, as per Lane, he can waive those rights if the team gives him a destination he likes. Otherwise, this no-trade clause will help him play with a peace of mind very few players have in this league.

Jaxson Hayes extending stay with Lakers suggests rift with JJ Redick is over

When the Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025 postseason, many wondered if Jaxson Hayes could handle the combination of Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle on his own. He was not strong enough to handle the former’s tendency to push centers around the paint.

Jaxson Hayes and head coach JJ Redick
Jaxson Hayes and head coach JJ Redick (Image via NBA/X)

At the same time, he was not agile enough to keep up with Randle’s shifty style of play. Once the 1st round started, those fears became a reality, and JJ Redick gave him fewer minutes with each passing game.

Once their season ended in disappointing fashion, news emanated from their camp that Hayes was not happy with the way Redick restricted his minutes. Jaxson Hayes believed he could have impacted the series, but his former teammate and now head coach seemed to disagree.

The issue of fatigue and other problems aside, many expected Hayes to depart. Now that he has chosen to continue, it is possible that his disagreement with Redick is resolved. Else, he had all the possibilities of signing with another team with possibly a bigger pay.

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