[rQUOTEr]Houston - Center Yao Ming told FOX 26 Sports on Tuesday that his career will continue with the Houston Rockets during the 2010-2011 season. The fifth and final year of Yao's contract includes an early termination clause giving him the right to opt out and become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday night, which he will not do. "My decision is very clear, I am going to stay with the Rockets," Yao said. "Why? Because everything we've done in the past I feel very comfortable with and also I believe our GM (Daryl Morey) will bring us more talent for helping us build a championship team." Yao will make $17.69 million during the 2010-2011 season. He did not play last season after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left foot last July. The injury is a major reason why Yao has waited until now to make his decision. "First thing I need to find out is how my foot is going," Yao said. "Obviously I missed one year and it's not easy to decide everything. I need to find a lot of information about my foot, about the way I play, how to improve myself after another injury. It's a little bit complicated after this injury." ... "I keep saying after I came here after 2002, I said this community gave me a very warm feeling, almost like home and the people here treat, not just me, treat this team so nice, supporting us whether we are losing or we are winning," Yao said. "I feel we are very strong in the city." If Yao does not sign an extension with the Rockets he can become an unrestricted free agent June 30, 2011. "It's still far from now," Yao said. "My focus is still on my foot rehab. I feel much better. I feel I improved so much in the last couple of months. "Even every week I can feel the difference, My goal right now is to get back to game shape as soon as possible and try helping this team." ... "I know Yao is extremely happy to be back on the court next year for the Rockets," said John Huizinga, Yao's agent, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. "The fans have been fantastic. The Rockets organization has supported Yao since day one and he enjoys playing with his teammates. It's a great situation all the way around."[/rQUOTEr] http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/local/100629-yao-will-not-opt-out-of-his-rockets-contract
I don't know why anyone would think this to be a noble act. He's coming off a missed year due to injury, no other NBA player would be feared for opting out after such a performance or lack thereof. He's going to make more money next year than he could have by opting out, and it makes perfect business sense for him to do so. So no news. Let's all hope he comes back healthy and stays that way for the rest of the year. Otherwise I hope Morey has the cojones not to re-sign him; at least not to anything near what he's getting.
I was hoping that the announcement Morey was alluding to would have been an extension, not just that he does not opt out. Sounds like it's only about the fact that he is not opting out.
I think it means Yao has confidence in his foot. Otherwise, he might opt out to take a lower salary this summer. If he is 100% healthy next season, he will get a max contract from rockets or another team.
In fairness to Yao, he is risking long-term security by not signing an extension this summer. If it turns out that Yao is washed up this season and is simply incapable of playing NBA basketball, he will not be able to sign a lucrative new deal. However, had he signed an extension now (even if for less than he ideally wanted), he'd be set for the next six years and beyond. I know, I know. He's not hurting financially. But you get the point.
He could've easily opted out of this contract and asked for a new one as security for the future just in case his career comes to an end
Best possible news for the Rockets in a while. And him not looking for a new contract means he believes he'll make a comeback. In a way, I'd think this actually reassures Bosh and/or JJ, because Yao is confident he'll be an impact player this upcoming season. I guess this is Morey's "announcement".
Yao isnt stupid...he knows that his best $$$ option is to stay here (especially the guaranteed $ which he could be a poster child for)...that being said, if HIS best option is to stay, he's gonna do all the right things to enable the team to bring in FAs to help him win. Say what you will about Yao, but he and his foot is the KEY to us attracting a guy like Bosh (or anyone else)
I never thought Yao would opt out to take a less but secure new contract this summer. That is not his personality. He is not conservative, never been afraid of being great. He is a brave person. The injuries couldn't stop him to work hard and to be a great player.
that is the exact guess i had on the other thread. yao has the confidence to show the world in the next season he will not be washed up and he will stay healthy for a few more years.
