"Six years ago, all 30 NBA teams passed on the Houston Rockets' Chuck Hayes. This time around, Hayes is in demand as an unrestricted free agent once the lockout is resolved. But it's not resolved and that demand begins in China.

"China would be the ideal place as Hayes popularity there is unbelievable," said Hayes' agent Calvin Andrews of BDA Sports Management. "We have a great relationship with teams over there and Chuck would be a fan favorite."

Hayes can thank Yao Ming for the extra exposure. Anyone who has played significant time alongside Yao has reaped the benefits of receiving an extended fan base in China.

China offered Hayes a lucrative deal early in the summer according to Andrews. The offer was bad timing and Hayes' camp turned it down. They won't be as inclined to do so again if a new CBA is not reached in due time.

"If nothing is figured out by the end of October, then I'll look at China again or somewhere else," Hayes said."