Utah Jazz add veteran NBA center to fill Walker Kessler hole
Jul 1, 2026, 3:47 PM | Updated: 3:54 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz wasted little time addressing their frontcourt after parting ways with Walker Kessler.
According to NBA insider Tim McMahon, Utah has agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with former first-round pick Jaxson Hayes.
The second year of the contract is reportedly a team option.
Source: The Jazz are signing former Lakers center Jaxson Hayes to a two-year, $12 million deal. The second season is a team option.
— Tim MacMahon (@BannedMacMahon) July 1, 2026
Hayes, a 7-foot rim-runner, spent last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds across 66 games.
RELATED: Lakers acquire Walker Kessler via sign-and-trade with Utah Jazz
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Once viewed as a player with significant upside because of his physical tools, Hayes has struggled with consistency, focus, and maturity throughout his career.
Utah’s bet is that a new environment — and a larger opportunity following Walker Kessler’s departure — can help him tap into more of the promise that made him a top-10 pick.
The signing gives Utah added depth at center after agreeing to a sign-and-trade earlier in the day that sent Walker Kessler to LA in return for two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, and pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.
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Who is Jaxson Hayes?
Jaxson Hayes entered the NBA as a high-upside prospect known for his length, athleticism, and rim-running ability.
The Atlanta Hawks selected Hayes with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft before sending him to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a multi-player trade.
Despite his lofty draft slot, Hayes never fully established himself as a long-term starter in New Orleans, appearing in 241 games over four seasons and starting no more than 28 games in any single campaign.
💥 The highlight reel that JazzNation craves at this moment: 11 minutes packed with Jaxson Hayes dunks 💥 #JazzNation #UtahJazz #TakeNote https://t.co/ccEovCedeU pic.twitter.com/S8Iu1HW4Mu
— JazzNation (@JazzNationNews) July 1, 2026
Hayes later signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, where he continued to serve primarily as a reserve big man. Last season, he averaged 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 66 games while providing energy, vertical spacing and shot-blocking potential around the rim.
A native of Norman, Oklahoma, Hayes started a career-high 35 games in 2024-25. Across his time with the Lakers, he averaged 6.2 points and just under four rebounds per game.
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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
