Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[F Gump]

...although apparently he had enough leverage to avoid a second year team option. That would've been preferable from LA's POV, correct? It would've made him more tradable?

Yes to both (although at a cost to LA, if there's a team option added, of paying more and having a bigger cap and tax hit, even if the tm-o is never exercised). 

But I tend not to see either side as having leverage or forcing anything on the other in such a minimum salary deal, with a veteran who has played a lot, wants to return, is likely to be of use. IMO each party probably sees it as a win. I think for Hayes/LA the deal is a lot like Exum/DAL.