The Los Angeles Clippers will be signing center/forward Chuck Hayes, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports. Hayes’ deal will be for one year worth the veteran’s minimum.
Hayes, 32, had reached a one-year agreement with the Houston Rockets earlier in the offseason, but Houston later chose not to sign him, making Hayes a free agent once again.
Instead, Houston’s front office wanted Hayes to join their coaching staff, but Hayes had more interest in playing the game.
“It’s a big circus,” Hayes said after Houston’s refusal to sign him. “It’s kind of nerve wracking, but I’m just being positive and looking on the brighter side of things and keep myself busy with training and working out.”
The Clippers, meanwhile, have been looking to elevate their frontcourt depth and still have interest in re-signing Glen Davis in addition to Hayes.
Nonetheless, Hayes brings veteran leadership and post defense to the team and is an excellent locker room presence. The 6-foot-6 undersized big man is a terrific positional defender, using his strength to keep bigger centers out of the painted area.
In Los Angeles’ rotation, Hayes may serve as the third string big man, playing behind the likes of Cole Aldrich and Josh Smith. Nevertheless, he is a solid addition to their frontcourt and provides more assurance.
The 10-year veteran played merely 29 games last season for the Toronto Raptors, averaging 1.7 points and 1.8 rebounds in 8.8 minutes per contest. Hayes’ glory days were during his tenure with the Rockets, as he filled in the starting center position in place of the injury prone Yao Ming. His offensive numbers weren’t amusing, but he was key to Houston’s defensive scheme.
The Clippers have quietly built a stronger team than last season, enhancing their bench depth by adding quality pieces. Glen Davis could perhaps be the final piece to the puzzle and the two sides share mutual interest.