Yahoo Sports

Hayes informed the Lakers on Friday that he will exercise his $2.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

Advice: Hayes likely would have been on track for a one-year contract at a similar salary level in free agency had he declined the option, so he'll stick around in Los Angeles with the hope that he can solidify himself as the top backup center under first-year head coach JJ Redick. Previous coach Darvin Ham deployed Hayes as Anthony Davis' primary backup in 2023-24, though the Lakers were without Hayes' main competitors for the position -- Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood -- for much of the season due to injury. Vanderbilt and Wood are both healthy again and are under contract for the upcoming season, so Hayes could struggle to reach the 70 appearances and 12.5 minutes per contest he averaged in 2023-24. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:01 am

The Hawks acquired Liddell along with Larry Nance, Dyson Daniels and two futurue first-round picks on Friday in exchange for Dejounte Murray, Christian Clark of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Advice: Liddell wasn't part of the New Orleans rotation this past season, as he averaged just 0.5 points and 0.6 rebounds across 2.9 minutes in eight appearances. He will now compete for a roster spot as a depth frontcourt option in Atlanta. Rotowire.com Friday, 5:06 pm

Larry Nance Jr. has been sent to the Hawks in the deal that brings Dejounte Murray to New Orleans.

Advice: Nance has been a versatile big man throughout his career, and he will likely be a reserve for the Hawks. Clint Capela was already expected to be moved, and now it feels like a guarantee. That means that Onyeka Okongwu should become a full-time starter, with Nance filling out behind him. Yves Missi is now the only center option in New Orleans and could become one of the best fantasy rookies if they don’t re-sign Jonas Valanciunas. Rotoworld Friday, 3:52 pm

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, multiple teams are willing to give Paul George the four-year max deal he’s currently seeking.

Advice: George has three days to decide whether or not to opt into the final season of his contract, which would be worth more than $48.8 million. While he and the Clippers have discussed a potential extension, they have not reached an agreement. George has been looking for a maximum contract of four years, but the Clippers have not gone that far. According to Windhorst, there are teams willing to take that step should PG become available via free agency or opt-in and trade. “I have been told that multiple teams out there are willing to trade for him and offer him the four-year max contract that he’s not currently being offered by the Clippers,” Windhorst said. “That means he’s got a set of options. But the question is, are the Clippers going to play ball with such a deal, or are they going to risk losing him for nothing if he can walk to a team like Philadelphia or Orlando?” Kawhi Leonard received his extension during the season, but it only runs three years in length. In addition to George, the Clippers will have to address James Harden’s status, as he will be an unrestricted free agent. Rotoworld Wednesday, 9:35 am