I honestly believe if the opportunity presents itself, Morey will use Yao's expiring contract. I do think that since Yao's expiring contract is so large, it will be difficult (obv not impossible) to make a deal around it.
Is it not loyalty and class to reach a handshake agreement? trade his contract to get someone who can help us with the understanding that we'll resign him next year. I mean really for YEARS we've had to wait and wait and this always happens, i love yao but if he can help us by trading his "contract", not him, he doesnt have to go anywhere, then why would it be unloyal, i think that would be the very definition of loyalty, that is if its understood that were bringing him back
Why is it always SURGERY that is recommended on a non displaced microfracture? Just let nature heal the damned thing. DD
Further to the point, the receiving team will renounce immediately upon the expiration of his contract in order to avoid the cap hold assuming that they are acquiring him to clear space. Which of course leaves loyal Yao an opportunity to return to Houston. Frankly, I think Yao is loyal to a fault and if he were renounced would immediately return home and sign a minimum contract with his team... Spoiler The Shanghai Sharks. Note that the expiring along with an insurance payout of what remains on the 17m might be really tempting to a team that wants to clear cap and preserve cash.
I think the real problem lies with them being so stubborn and trying to build around someone so risky. There shouldve been a shift years ago when this started surfacing but Morey has done the best he could to this point. I still love the rockets i just wish they'd be a little further than they are now, i wish they hadnt hung their hats on yao. I still hope he can come back in a bench role capacity eventually.
wait, aren't you the same guy that complained that morey handles his players too much like an asset manager?
This is what I would do about the C position http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2aucm7k Houston gets: Nene JR SMith Billups Thabeet Randolph DEN gets: Yao Jefferies Battier NY gets: 2011 1st pick MEM gets: Trade Exception from HOU
You are absolutely right on this one. I opposed the surgery at the beganning. Let him heal on himself and he will be back! A year without playing(after surgery) is the higest risk for re-fracture, period. My prediction: if Yao is really going to have 2nd surgery, he will need 3rd, 4th..... as long as he plays NBA. If he heals on himself, he will be back.
It would be a great mistake if the Rockets still count Yao in their future plans. Les needs to put the success of the team first and stop trying to milk his now broken money cow.