In a strange twist of events, center Chuck Hayes may be returning to sign a new contract with the Sacramento Kings. On Wednesday, he went through a lengthy round of tests on his heart at the Cleveland Clinic and was pronounced fit to immediately start playing basketball again. When asked whether he would consider playing for the Kings, after they voided his $21 million contract earlier this week, he indicated that he would be open to it. Coach Paul Westphal told reporters on Thursday that Hayes would be back in Sacramento on Friday, but did not go as far to say that he would be returning to the team. Other sources close to the situation have heard that a new contract worth approximately $22 million would be presented to Hayes on Friday.
Marcus Thorton was admitted to the hospital Tuesday night suffering from a painful kidney stone. He passed the stone, but is listed as day-to-day according to head coach Paul Westphal. He is expected to play in the season opener Monday night.
It looks like all three of the rookies will make the Kings 2011-12 squad this season. The team announced today that forward Lawrence Hill and guard Adrian Oliver have been cut. Furthermore, coach Paul Westphal has been so impressed that he foresees point guard Isaiah Thomas getting significant minutes along with first-round pick Jimmer Fredette. Forward Tyler Honeycutt will likely remain on the inactive list, but the team would like to see how he develops over the season.
Samuel Dalembert agreed to terms with the Houston Rockets on a two-year deal worth a reported $13.7 million. One day earlier, the center told Fox Sports that he and Sacramento were close to a deal, but Wednesday afternoon, the Kings withdrew their offer and Dalembert accepted Houston’s offer. It is unclear which happened first however. If the Kings did withdraw their offer first, it may indicate that another deal is in the works to land a quality big man in the capital city soon.
Peja Stojakovic, the sharp-shooting forward that was a key member of the great Sacramento kings teams from 1998-2006 announced his retirement today from the NBA. While a member of the Kings, fans had a love-hate relationship with him, as it was a common criticism that he would disappear at crucial times late in a game. But, no one could question his overall contributions to the glory years of Sacramento kings basketball.
The Sacramento Kings claimed forward Travis Outlaw from waivers Saturday. The 6-9 veteran was cut by the New Jersey nets through the amnesty clause. The Kings reportedly made a $3 million bid for his rights, which means the Nets will be responsible for paying the remaining balance on his $7 million contract. With the uncertainty of Chuck Hayes’ health, the Kings needed to add another big man to their roster going into the season. In addition, this brings the Kings approximately $2 million above the NBA salary minimum.
Both of the preseason matchups between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors will be televised. Normally, preseason games don’t receive such coverage, but this year, fans in Sacramento will be able to watch the games on Comcast Sports Net California while fans in the Bay Area will be able to catch the games on Comcast Sports Net Bay Area.
The Sacramento Kings announced that Bill Walton will be returning for another season of annoying commentary on game broadcasts this season. He will split time with Grant Napier and Jerry Reynolds on the TV side and Gary Gerald on the radio side of select games. Also returning is sideline reporter Jim Gray for approximately 15 games this season. One word, why?
On Thursday, the Kings released the following statement regarding their newly acquired big-man Chuck Hayes. "A recent stress echo test performed on Kings' center/forward Chuck Hayes revealed an abnormality which will require further testing this evening and tomorrow. An update will be provided as more information becomes available."
On Tuesday, the Sacramento City Council voted 7-2 to move ahead with further investigation of a plan to lease out city parking lots with the goal of raising nearly $250 million towards construction of a new a new downtown arena. This was a big step in the right direction and gives fans a clearer idea of which council members are likely to support this project when it comes down to a final vote in early 2012. Mayor Kevin Johnson is meeting with NBA commissioner David Stern on Friday to discuss funding amounts to be issued by the NBA and Maloofs. He will be bringing a representative from AEG, the firm selected to manage the proposed arena.