NBA Rumor: Yao Ming Could Opt Out Of His Contract This Summer
About a month ago, I wrote an article about why all the max contract players in the NBA were going to become free agents this summer. While at the time I had Yao Ming in the “non-max” category along with guys like Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Redd, I wrote that it was their decision whether or not they were going to opt out or extend. Word out of Houston is that Yao is going through this dilemma right now. While many believed that his foot injury and extensive surgery would prevent him from opting out after this season, it appears he simply hasn’t made up his mind.
From Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:
“I’m sure I’m not sure until after we discuss (it),” Yao said. “We have not started (to) discuss it yet, so I’m not sure, either way. I have to talk to my agent first before we start to decide where I need to go. If you ask my agent, he will say, ‘I have to ask Yao and we will start discussing it.’”
Yao’s agent, John Huizinga, had no comment.
Yao is not expected to begin on-court workouts until July, so I’m sure he’ll delay his decision until the last possible chance he can. While Rockets GM Daryl Morey has made personnel moves to fit Yao in the middle, his decision will put the Rockets in a predicament. Luis Scola, making under $3.5 million this season, is a free agent this summer is well. If Yao was to leave, they would certainly need to lock him in longterm.
If Yao was to opt out and test the open waters, sentiment is that teams would certainly throw more than enough money his way. Whether or not his performance on the court is the same as we’ve become used to, the marketing dollars off the court would more than make up for it. Could you imagine the media circus in New York if Yao was on the Knicks? Or the draw from the Asian community if he played for the Warriors? It will be interesting to look back on the Yao era in Houston when it’s all said and done – whether that is this summer, next summer or in 10 years. The exposure that the franchise has garnered – along with the collateral benefits – could be more than any other player in the NBA’s history.
What do you think? Will Yao opt out? Should he opt out? Where will he play next season?
Other Must-Read Articles About The Rockets:
- From The Rockets To The Kings: Carl Landry’s Sneaker Dilemma
- Diagnosing The Rockets’ Problem
- Don’t Write Off Jordan Hill Yet
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March 29th, 2010 at 10:35 am
NTstateOFmind says:
i wouldn’t give a guy a max contract knowing he’ll never have an offseason to rest
the nba and china are running this man into the ground …its no surprise hes always getting hurt at the end of each nba season
March 29th, 2010 at 10:37 am
PWEEZY says:
Yao is donzo….wat ever team he plays for next he’s just going to be a 5 minute carnival freak show for the masses…his feet are done even though he comes back he will be injury prone. He’s playing on breakaway feet borrow time from the doctors
March 29th, 2010 at 10:51 am
Kermit The Washington says:
Wow I totally forgot about this guy.
March 29th, 2010 at 11:08 am
fallinup says:
It’s a shame that his body has broke down from ALL of the wear and tear. China ruined Yao’s NBA career before he even signed with Houston.
March 29th, 2010 at 11:19 am
sh!tfaced says:
If he opts out, bet the Knicks sign him to the max. And he never plays another game…
March 29th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Heckler says:
aaon brooks, kevin martin, trevor ariza, luis scola and yao ming. that is a very respectable starting five. in which yao wouldnt even have to carry the load for a season. he should stay in Houston
March 29th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Diggity Dave says:
@5
Man, ain’t that the truth. PRIME candidate for Knicks max money.
March 29th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
kulas says:
okc should sign him!
March 29th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Mike Mihalow says:
Where’s the twist, Aron?
How about “Thank god. I hope his tall-ass goes back to China”.
But seriously, this is a good article, Aron. Please keep your hate out of any future articles, and keep up the good work.
March 29th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
kicks says:
Yao-Lee-LeBron-Gallo-Rodriguez next year for the Knicks.
April 2nd, 2010 at 11:12 pm
yesdog says:
Obviously the right thing for him to do would finish what he started in Houston, Prove he still has it and then test the waters. Im unaware of any teams that will take a chance on someone with his injury record, but who knows. If he dose leave he would be smart to join a team with a good point guard like a Deron Williams or Chris Paul, some one who needs a good center and is a reliable source to feed the ball too. He will join a contender not a team like the Knicks or t-wolves who haven’t done anything for lord knows how long. I hope he stays put and gives it one more year with the team that gave him his start in the first place. That would be the honorable thing to do.