NBA Free Agents 2011: Re-Signing Samuel Dalembert Was Kings' Next Logical Step

After the Sacramento Kings signed center Chuck Hayes this offseason, it appeared Samuel Dalembert's departure was inevitable.

But after Hayes failed a physical last week because of a heart condition, the Kings are reportedly set to bring Dalembert back to Arco Arena.

According to Chris Tomasson of FoxSports.com, Dalembert said on Tuesday night that he was anticipating re-signing with the Kings.

Said Dalembert in a phone interview with Fox Sports Florida, via FoxSports.com: "If things work out, everything structurally (with the contact), it will be Sacramento. It's close."

The 30-year-old, who averaged 8.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last season, said he is expecting to sign a "one- or two-year deal," according to Tomasson.

But he also said that he would consider a one-year deal with a player option.

Said Dalembert, "A lot of guys are doing it. Like Greg Oden, Kwame Brown, Kris Humphries."

After the loss of Hayes, Dalembert was the Kings' next logical step. They gave up 104.7 points per game last season, sixth-most in the NBA, and that was with a shot-blocking presence in Dalembert.

Dalembert was also being looked at by the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat, but the Heat didn't have enough salary cap space and the Rockets curiously disappeared after sprouting up in rumors.

Dalembert will help the Kings in the paint this season, but it's evident by now that he's not the answer for their defensive woes.

The Kings have proven they need to improve defensively across the board.