When will the Rockets be able to sign Yao to a long term deal?

[JBIIRockets]

I read that he has a four-year 17 million dollar contract with an option year right now. I dont know if it's a team option or a player option.

Just curious to know this so other teams (Lakers, ahem) can stop talking about it.

[Deuce]

I think after Yao's 3rd year we can extend him. I guess that would be next offseason?

[codell]

After his 4th year I believe, when he is a RFA.

[Deuce]

Originally posted by codell
After his 4th year I believe, when he is a RFA.

That's it. After the 4th year.

[Da Man]

After the 3rd year is when you can get him to sign an extension. The extension won't go into affect until after the 4th year.