BEIJING -- Rockets center Yao Ming has called a possible move to Cleveland an "unknown" amid rumors that the Cavaliers' new Chinese part owners want to sign him. In a recent interview with his hometown Shanghai TV station, Yao said he continued to have "much affection" for the Houston Rockets, the team that took him in the first round of the 2003 draft and with whom he has played all six of his NBA seasons. Yao has not won a championship, but said Houston's drive to the second-round of the playoffs this year had given him hope that the Rockets can contend next season. Rumors of a possible move to Cleveland have swirled since a group of Chinese investors signed an agreement last month with the Cavaliers to become minority owners. The move is expected to boost the team's popularity and marketing opportunities in China, where Cleveland star LeBron James is very popular. "This is all an unknown," Yao said in the interview, a transcript of which was posted online Friday. "I've already been with Houston for such a long time, I still have much affection for this team," he said. "Moreover, this past season we were very successful, and that let me see some hope." Cleveland has not publicly expressed interest in Yao, who has one guaranteed year left on his contract with Houston, including a player option for the 2010-11 season. Yao broke his troublesome left foot in Game 3 of the second-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, the eventual champions. The lure of a championship remains strong and Yao conceded to feeling jealous of fellow China national team member Sun Yue, who played for the Lakers. "There's a little bit of envy," Yao said. "If I didn't have feel even some jealousy, then I'm afraid that really would make me a little too much of a slacker." Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4272395 I think its great that Yao said this.
His use of the word "unknown" is worrisome. Why didn't he categorically deny the rumors? Won't Cleveland have cap space to sign him next summer if he opts out?
It would be awesome if Yao asked to be traded to the Cavs, this season, and LeBron James then goes to NYC via free agency.
Yao would instantly solve their problems in dealing with Dwight Howard. It looks like a good match for him.
Because He knows that it would be a long shot for Him to get traded. By this time, The Rockets has assured Him of his importance to this team which he will respect and follow His heart to retire as a Rocket. ( base on his actions and words )
One possible side effect might be that if Les gets scared that Yao might leave, then he agrees to spend past the luxury tax threshold, Mark Cuban style, so as to not risk losing him. Kind of like Cleveland is doing to try to convince LeBron to stay.
As much as I would hate to see Yao go, it makes sense for him personally and as a player (putting Houston loyalty aside). Les and DM would never trade Yao and I don't even know what players would have to be involved, but Yao on the Cavs with Lebron probably would equate to a championship.
Lebron + Yao = GREAT PROFITS. It would equate to several championships and 100% increase in revenues.
I do not know If I were Yao I would want to win a ring as the second guy while I have a good chance to win it as the primary guy. This CURRENT Rockets team plus a decent wing player is just as good as the CURRENT Cavs plus Yao.
A healthy Yao would... but dude keeps getting injured. By the time Yao hits free agency, he and his 7'6, 300+ lb frame will be over 30. You have to wonder how many productive years he has left in the tank.
I believe we should trade Yao in his final season of his contract because I dont think he will last over 33 years old. Rik Smits lasted until he was 33 or 34, Yao won't last that long.
I get the feel from the article that Yao wants to stay, and will stay. But I also go the vibe from quotes like this. That he WAS considering leaving before this post season.
It would be an upgrade over Ilgauskas. That Cleveland team is overrated. I don't know how they won that many games. Mo Williams is not a true PG, just and undersized SG who's trigger happy from the three point line. The only good players they have on that team are Lebron, of course, and Delonte West.
there is no way Yao leaves...Les won't let it happen....i would lose all faith in the Rockets if they let him get a way....its not even a possibilty...just worrying about nothing..
