Actually, you've got one year from today... and then you should start getting worried. After NEXT season, if Yao doesn't sign an extension by October, that ends the exclusive negotiating rights the Rockets have. (See Francis, VC, etc... all signed their extension after their 3rd year). Basically, if Yao chooses not to sign the max extension, and opts to choose free agency (which will happen after his 4th year... there are no 5 year rookie contracts), you can make a safe bet that he will be looking to go ELSEWHERE. Thus, it will be known NEXT SUMMER if Yao plans on staying in a Houston uniform long-term. Sure, we have a 4th year option... but that year basically becomes moot if Yao doesn't sign his extension, because the Rockets will be looking to trade him that year if he doesn't plan on staying for the long-term (or, they'll do a sign and trade after the season). Either way, it all comes down to what happens after next season.
After Yao's 4th option year he becomes a Restricted Free Agent. Meaning he could sign an offer sheet with any team if he so choosed but we could match it. His other option would be to sign a 1 year extension then become a unrestricted free agent the next year. That is why i put the 5th year in, because in essence we own Yao for another 3 years. I do believe this is a moot point though. I fully expect Yao to resign with us.
Breaking news on Fox 26. The Lakers have contacted Rudy T. And Rudy is showing interest in the job and would like to hear what the Lakers have to say.
Didn't ESPN already report yesterday that the Lakers contacted Rudy T? Its only natural that he'd have interest... although if there's no Shaq and Kobe, there's likely to be no reason to go there.
Saturday, June 19, 2004 Associated Press HOUSTON -- The Los Angeles Lakers have contacted former Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich regarding their now-vacant coaching position, a Houston television station reported Saturday. "I have been contacted and I am interested in discussing things with the Lakers and hearing what they have to say," Tomjanovich said in a statement through his business manager to television station KRIV. Tomjanovich was contacted Friday, the station reports. Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, won't return in that capacity with the Lakers next season, the team said Friday. The heavily favored Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, ruining their attempt at a fourth championship in five years. A call made to the Rockets was not immediately returned Saturday. A spokesman for the Lakers would not comment on the report. Tomjanovich stepped down as coach in May 2003. This just reported by ESPN
The Houston Chronicle is getting in on the act. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/2636970
Lakes try to use Rudy to stablize Shark and Kobe. If not successful, Rudy will not go there, and shark will leave. That's why they uncover in media so even at the starting contact point.
I hope Rudy T stays a rocket for life. I don't ever want to see him on another sideline. If he does leave I wish him the best. He was a great coach for us and he definitely deserves the job. It will be like Robert Horry all over again. Love Horry, Love RudyT, Hate the freakin Lakers. I say fire CD and convince RudyT to be GM. It would never happen but I can dream.
Have you heard there has been a meeting set up in LA between rudy and the pres. of the lakers. (heard on the radio)
As Rudy is technically under contract to the Rox will Rox get compenstated by Lakes if they sign Rudy? (Rox paid Knicks a 2 for JVG and he only had weeks to go before he was 'free'.)
