The Boston Celtics could target Jaxson Hayes on a minimum deal to bolster their center depth, banking on his upside despite a disappointing playoff run with the Lakers.
The Boston Celtics are in a tough spot this offseason. With luxury tax penalties looming, they'll need to make some difficult roster decisions—even if they're unpopular with fans.
At this point, just about every player on the roster is on the trade block, except for Jayson Tatum.
In a recent MassLive mailbag, Brian Robb discussed how the Celtics might look to fill out their roster cost-effectively.
As he noted, Boston will likely target players on veteran minimum contracts to add depth, particularly at the center position, whether they lose players to trades or free agency.
Paul Reed on the free agent market, unless some bigger names slip through the cracks," Robb reported.
Of the group, Jaxson Hayes stands out as a player with the most potential at 25.
Hayes spent the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. In the 2024–25 campaign, he averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds over 56 games, including 35 starts.
His role expanded after the LA Lakers traded Anthony Davis to Dallas.
However, Hayes struggled badly in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. In the first-round series against the towering Minnesota Timberwolves, he averaged just 7.8 minutes and 1.8 points per game, finishing the series with a -17 plus/minus.
With Hayes ineffective, the Lakers were forced to lean heavily on small-ball lineups for most of the series.
According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, Hayes is not expected to return to the Lakers next season. He was reportedly unhappy with his reduced role late in the year, especially as his minutes declined during the playoffs.
A six-year NBA veteran, Hayes began his career in New Orleans.
