The Houston Rockets just made a huge trade in which they sent a first round pick and multiple players to the Denver Nuggets in return for Ty Lawson. Before that deal, the Rockets only had one roster spot available to possibly sign players, but now they have more room. They have already reportedly agreed to a deal with K.J. McDaniels and are close with Jason Terry. Now the Rockets are close to a deal with Chuck Hayes, according to the Houston Chronicle.
About a week ago there were rumors that the Rockets and Hayes had mutual interest, but it was considered a long shot he would get a deal because of the lack of roster spots they had. Now that the Rockets have traded four players and only gotten one back in return they have more room to potentially sign Hayes.
Hayes met with the Rockets' front office and head coach Kevin McHale at the summer league in Las Vegas where they moved close to an agreement, according to Hayes' agent Calvin Andrews.
"The trade opens some doors, we just have to hammer out some fine details," said Andrews. "They know and appreciate his game more than anyone, it's a great time to come back home if we complete the deal."
Although the numbers are not staggering (4.4 points, 5.8 rebounds per game), Hayes played the best basketball of his career in Houston from 2005 to 2011. Hayes is more known for his defense in the post where he is known to be very good despite being very undersized for a center/power forward at 6-foot-6. Hayes had 14.9 Defensive Win Shares in his six seasons in Houston, which is a big reason why he is reportedly going to be brought back.
The Rockets frontcourt, besides Dwight Howard, is extremely young, so bringing in Hayes would give them a veteran presence on the bench who can provide solid defense when called upon. Hayes likely won't get many minutes next season with the Rockets, but he is still only 32 years old and is capable of helping a team, and at the very least will provide depth in case there are injuries.
