Chuck Hayes Back in Action

Just days after his four-year, $21 million contract with the Sacramento Kings was voided due to a failed physical, forward/center Chuck Hayes has been cleared to resume his basketball career. An team at the Cleveland Clinic conducted an exhaustive series of tests and informed Hayes "he can continue to play basketball without any concerns."

The question is, "where?"

Hayes is now a free agent, able to negotiate with any team he chooses. But very few have the salary cap room to offer a deal comparable to the one voided by the Kings. His first choice is reportedly a return to Sacramento, but it's not clear, at this point, if the team will be willing to accommodate.

If he's willing to sign for a lesser amount to play for a contender, I suspect quite a few would be happy to make an offer.

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Chuck Hayes Fails Physical, Contract with Kings Voided

Forward Chuck Hayes' four-year, $21 million contract with the Sacramento Kings has been voided due to a failed physical.

The situation is very similar to that of Celtics forward Jeff Green; an abnormality was discovered during his stress test, and after further examinations. a decision was made to void the contract. But that may be where the similarities end. Green is expected to make a full recovery and return to the NBA next season; we can't say that about Hayes because we don't yet know the nature of the problem. I'm hoping whatever ails Hayes is treatable and that he'll be back quickly; it's hard not to admire a player who works as hard as he does.

From a basketball perspective, Hayes' absence leaves a significant void in Sacramento's frontcourt, where he was expected to log significant playing time alongside DeMarcus Cousins. JJ Hickson - acquired from Cleveland just before the NBA draft - will have to step up now. And there's a very good chance that the Kings will look to bring back free agent center Samuel Dalembert now; the Rockets were reportedly interested in Dalembert, but it appears they are backing off at this point.

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