The Atlanta Hawks need more size in their frontcourt, especially with their commitment to the offensively-oriented Onyeka Okongwu. The Hawks are also not the most spend-happy team, so finding a reserve to complement Okongwu is prudent.
In that case, the Hawks should take a look at Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes.
Hayes was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft– by the Hawks – in the deal that yielded De’Andre Hunter.
Hunter was traded at the deadline this year, and the Hawks should try to secure Hayes’ services after his season with the Lakers ended in a five-game first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hayes is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
The Lakers needed size, and head coach J.J. Redick deemed Hayes would not be part of that.
Hayes started 35 of his 57 appearances this season, including 32 straight when healthy to end the campaign.
However, he saw his playing time greatly reduced in the postseason, as he went from seeing nearly 22 minutes in the regular season to seeing fewer than eight minutes per during their playoff series.
Hayes was a DNP-CD in the closeout game.
Hawks should target Jaxson Hayes in free agency
He is coming off a two-year, $4.6 million contract. The Hawks should have some flexibility to add to their roster.
“Atlanta enters the offseason right at the salary cap. Besides the possibility of two first-round picks, the Hawks have the flexibility to use their $14.1 million non-tax mid-level exception and still be active in the trade market,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote after the Hawks’ season ended. “Atlanta also has the $5.1 million biannual, veteran minimum and four trade exceptions ($25.3 million, $13.1 million, $3.7 million and $3.5 million).”
The Hawks have Okongwu, so they do not have to look for a starter.
They will get Jalen Johnson back at power forward next season, and can continue developing Mouhamed Gueye as a 4 who moonlights as a 5-man.
Hayes does not have to be a priority target. He averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists during the regular season. He is not the traditional rim protector. But his 0.9 blocks per game translate to 1.7 per 36 minutes.
Hayes’ athleticism would also complement Trae Young well.
Like many bigs, Hayes could likewise thrive with a guard like Young, who excels at feeding teammates who are willing to run.
The Hawks have a lot to sort through, with Clint Capela's future among the items. Finding rim protectors – outside of the draft – can be challenging. Hayes would be a full-circle target that would help address some key issues for the Hawks as they continue fine-tuning their roster.