All offseason, the reports about a possible deal between the Houston Rockets and Chuck Hayes made it seem like a contract would be signed. A little less than a month ago, there were reports that Hayes had reached an agreement with the Rockets, but now it is being reported that Hayes will not sign with the Rockets and will instead pursue other opportunities, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports.
The reason for Hayes not signing with the Rockets is that they have limited roster flexibility and the financial aspect of a potential deal. The Rockets did announce that they had signed Hayes, but it seems as though they might have jumped the gun because his agent, Calvin Andrews, has said that he will not.
Hayes has reportedly been receiving offers to become a coach or to take a front office position, which is a long-term goal of his, but for now he wants to continue playing in the NBA. Hayes has kept himself in great shape and is prepared for the 2015-16 NBA season, so he is in the process of seeking out teams that are interested in him. Andrews said that Hayes is in better shape now than he has been in years as he has been training very hard.
Hayes was unlikely to get playing time with the Rockets if he had signed there as they appear to be set in the frontcourt, but the Rockets are familiar with him from his time there from 2005 until 2011, and Hayes was expected to provide depth and leadership.
Although he is still just 32 years old, it is very possible that Hayes' career could be done as he is a middling NBA player who is undersized and won't provide much to a team. If his career is over, Hayes finished his 10 seasons with career averages of 3.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
