Still early, I think a lot of teams are still trying to figure out their cap situation and overall roster, some are probably scrambling to get enough players to scrimmage at training camp. DD
The new CBA did the Rockets a big favor as most contender won't be able to offer Chuck the full MLE, but only the tax MLE. One contender that could offer the full MLE is the Thunder, who're looking for a backup 3 and not a big man according to reports. The same goes for the Bulls, who're looking at a SG. Portland could also offer the full MLE, if they were to amnesty cut Roy, but there are reports already that Portland might prefer other bigs (Pryzbilla, Landry). Dallas might be in the mix for Chuck if they were to lose Chandler. The Raptors & T-Wolves worry me though, as Kahn & Colangelo are known to overpay role players. Also keep in mind that in the order for the Rockets to keep Chuck after signing a guy like Nene or Chandler, the Rockets would have to s&t for those guys, as they otherwise would only be able to offer Chuck $2.6M/y for 2 years. One would have to think that the Rockets would want to win now if they were to land a Nene or Chandler, so I assume they'd look into trading 'upside guys' like Thabeet & Hill in order to keep Chuck. I can't see the Mavs taking back any salaries as they're near the tax already, but the Nuggets will probably be rebuilding and have to add a lot of salaries in order to get to the Minimum Team Salary of 85% of the cap.
Given the way the market is, chances are the Rockets would have to S&T for any of the top centers anyway. The team has substantial cap room, but probably not enough to outbid others for one of these guys without a S&T even if they let Hayes go.
How much would you pay to see Chuck Hayes guard 1990's Chuck Barkley in the post? Or better yet, how much would like to see an all 6'6" starting front court of Barkley and Hayes.
Uhhhh he did block some shots in college very consistently for a pretty damned good UConn team. Hindsight shows he didn't warrant a number 2 overall pick...but...the timing is there...he just needs to add some muscle first of all and stay the hell out of foul trouble.
Chuck Hayes is what The rockets stand for. He is always underestimated by opposing defenses. How can Chick Hayes by the leader of the Rockets? One word...Heart..He has the heart of the biggest Lion. Like Hayes, The Rockets are always underestimated, and undervalued.
Don't forget guys that teams have to spend a greater portion of their cap than ever before, so the Kings need to spend some money to get to the lower end of that threshold and if Chuck is from there, makes a lot of sense. DD
remember with other restricted free agents like Landry and Lowry how Morey was very firm about matching other people's offers? I know Morey likes Chuck but unless they find a trade for Scola, I'm pretty certain his value to the Rox is not greater than 4 mil/yr. If I were NYK, I would offer him the full MLE and start him between Amare and Carmelo. I can't think of a much better fit for Hayes. He would push them to the next level. Amare Hayes Melo Fields Billups
Who else would be upset if Chuck Stays? Personally I think it is time he moved on to another team. They need to try and develop Thabeet and Hill.
I too think he should move on, but I would not be upset if he is on the team backing them up and teaching them the ropes either. Whatever the org thinks is best, but I think if you read between the lines (IE no contract offer yet), I think they are letting us know he is not really a top priority, and that probably stings a little for Chuck and may force him to sign elsewhere. DD
I want Chuck Hayes to retire as a Rocket after playing his entire professional career as a Rocket. His know-how, grit, and hard-nosed defense are fun to watch and give this team real heart.
The only reason I want him to move on, is for him to get a ring or bring us a 6-11+ curently top 10 center. At present, he's the best center we have. He's an out of position pf with heart.
