Chuck Hayes Re-Joining the Sacramento Kings

The strange saga of Chuck Hayes continues in Sacramento, as the forward returns to the Kings with a new (and richer) deal, after he was released due to a heart condition. The Sac Bee explains: “One week after the Kings announced Chuck Hayes had an abnormality in his heart that would lead to the team voiding his contract, the forward-center was cleared to resume his basketball career Thursday by the renowned Cleveland Clinic. The team announced Thursday night it had reached an agreement with Hayes. He is expected back in Sacramento tonight.The deal is worth $22.4 million over four years. That is $1 million more than Hayes signed for Dec. 9, the first day free agents were allowed to sign with teams following the 149-day NBA lockout. ‘It’s been an incredible week of emotional highs and lows,’ Hayes said in a statement. ‘The Kings have been very supportive during this process and I feel very comfortable with the relationships that I have started there. After reviewing my options, the Kings were still the choice for me.’ The Kings announced on Dec. 15 that an echocardiogram stress test during Hayes’ physical revealed an abnormality and that the player would continue further testing. On Monday, the Kings announced Hayes had failed his physical and his contract had been voided. After going through a battery of tests at the Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday, Hayes and the Kings were told Thursday morning he had nothing wrong with his heart and to continue playing without worry. ‘I’m just very thankful and blessed with the team of doctors at the Cleveland Clinic and the power of prayer,’ Hayes said in a prepared statement. ‘I am happy to say I have a healthy heart and have been cleared to play immediately. I look forward to getting back on the court as soon as possible.'”