A familiar face will be returning to the Houston Rockets as free agent forward Chuck Hayes reportedly agreed to be back with the team with a one-year, veterans minimum deal worth $1.5 million.
Hayes spent his first six NBA seasons with the Rockets and played his best basketball during the 2010–11 season where he averaged career-bests in points (7.9), rebounds (8.1), assists (2.7), and steals (1.1).
Following his stint with the Rockets, Hayes signed with the Sacramento Kings and stayed with the team for three seasons before getting traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2013.
The 32-year-old player was sent to the Raptors together with guard Greivis Vásquez and forwards Patrick Patterson and John Salmons for center Aaron Gray with forwards Rudy Gay and Quincy Acy.
Hayes stayed with Toronto for the past two seasons and in the last one, he played in a career-low 29 games only and averaged 1.7 points and 1.8 rebounds.
The Houston Chronicle reported that for weeks, the Rockets and Hayes had been talking about the deal that would bring him back to Houston; but they agreed to wait until the team had a roster spot for recently added point guard Ty Lawson.
According to the report, Hayes' agent, Calvin Andrews, said last week that his client was close to signing with the Rockets and a deal was imminent, adding, "They know and appreciate his game more than anyone. It's a great time to come back home."
Along with the deal for Hayes, Houston also looks to come up with a deal for free agent point guard Jason Terry who was a huge part of their campaign last season.
The 37-year-old guard began as a backup point guard in his first year with the Rockets but was promoted to a starting role during their playoff campaign, which covered 17 games.
Houston reached the Western Conference Finals but was eliminated by eventual NBA champions the Golden State Warriors in five games.
