With the Houston Rockets active in trade talks with half of the NBA, they are likely prepared to let Chuck Hayes, a long-time Rocket and fan favorite, walk in free agency.
While early reports indicated that Hayes had agreed to a four-year $20 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, the Minnesota Timberwolves have come in at the last minute to pursue the 6'6 240 forward:
ChrisBHaynes Chris HaynesAccording to Chuck Hayes' agent, The#Sacramento#Kings &#Minnesota#Timberwolves are on equal ground in attaining Hayes.#NBA#RocketsRetweeted by sam_amick
Hayes has spent the first six years of his career in Houston, with career averages of 4.4 points and 5.8 rebounds.
However, his value to the team, especially on the defensive end, is hard to capture statistically, as Hayes is widely considered one of the best low-post defenders in the NBA, despite his miniature stature.