The Los Angeles Lakers have added a layer of flexibility to their offseason strategy after Jaxson Hayes agreed to waive his no-trade clause, according to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. Hayes’ decision gives the Lakers more maneuverability should they look to pursue high-level trade opportunities.
The 25-year-old big man recently re-upped with the team on a one-year contract, a somewhat unexpected choice given earlier reports suggesting Hayes had been dissatisfied with his role in L.A.. Despite that, his return now positions him behind newly-acquired center Deandre Ayton, likely shifting Hayes into a backup role.
Under the current NBA collective bargaining agreement, players who sign a one-year deal (or a two-year deal with a player option) with their previous team automatically receive an implied no-trade clause. However, players can waive that clause—something Hayes has now opted to do. This same mechanism was used by D’Angelo Russell, who waived his clause in 2023 before being traded in 2024.
While Hayes started 35 games for the Lakers last season and averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds, he now appears set for a reduced role behind Ayton. Still, waiving the clause gives both sides some room to adjust course if necessary—either to facilitate a midseason trade or simply keep options open.
According to league rules, Hayes can’t be traded until mid-December, which is standard protocol for free agents signing new deals during the summer. But by making himself movable, Hayes gives the front office a potential trade chip as they consider further roster upgrades. The Lakers are unlikely to pursue another center in free agency now that both Ayton and Hayes are under contract, though they have previously been linked to multiple frontcourt trade targets in recent months.