The talks between Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets to extend the center's contract are in a delicate situation. The Chinese All-Star wants a 6-year contract to agree to re-sign with the Rockets, while the NBA franchise is only willing to offer a 4-year contract. Yao Ming, who has missed the entire last season due to a foot injury, will become a free agent next summer, and could decide to sign with another team after 8 seasons in Houston.Link (quote is translated )
This is a very interesting scenario. And Houston is said to be targeting Chris Bosh in the summer. How about a Chris Bosh for Yao Ming sign and trade? Bryan Colangelo can definitely convince MLSE to accept this deal. It makes perfect sense as it will create a lot of buzz and allow the team to sell a lot of tickets.
I definitely don't need to sell Yao because if he is healthy, Toronto will finally have a legit center for the first time in their franchise history. However that is a very BIG IF. Since the 2004-05 season, Yao Ming has averaged only 59 games a season and missed the 2009-10 season after undergoing surgery in order to repair the broken bone in his left foot. Not to mention that the team would also require a legit backup big because Yao is only good for 30 minutes a game.
Big men usually have foot injury problems and unfortunately because of Yao's massive 7'6 frame, he could end up retiring due to these type of injuries. I could see why the Rockets would be hesitant in giving Yao 6 years. Unfortunately for the Raptors, this trade idea would seem eerily familiar to another trade they made for a broken down Rockets center.
This report also contradicts all the other reports indicating that the Rockets owner is willing to spend money.
