The Toronto Raptors should be busy on the free agency market this offseason , especially at the centre position. Los Angeles Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes has quietly evolved into one of the most efficient vertical spacers in the NBA as he hits unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026. While the Raptors' front office has focused on building around the core of Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram, the roster still lacks a high-octane, athletic rim-runner who can thrive in a high-tempo system. Hayes, coming off a career year with the Lakers is a low-cost, high-upside asset who solves specific schematic weaknesses. The Statistical Leap Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun attempts to steal the ball from Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes. | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images During the 2025-26 season, Hayes posted a staggering 75.6 per cent field goal percentage across 66 games, primarily acting as a lob threat and transition finisher.…