[Chron] Yao to consider the possibility of new labor deal

[TMU]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/spo ... 34385.html

Yao, 29, said he has not considered his options, but was noncommittal about whether he might opt out of his contract.

“I'm sure I'm not sure until after we discuss (it),” Yao said. “We have not started (to) discuss it yet, so I'm not sure, either way. I have to talk to my agent first before we start to decide where I need to go. If you ask my agent, he will say, ‘I have to ask Yao and we will start discussing it.'”

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has often said he expects Yao to be with the Rockets next season under his contract and has made roster moves with that in mind.

Let's say Yao opts out to restructure his contract. If you were Morey what kind of contract would you give Yao?

[aznkillabeezZz]

2 year lol. Why would they give him another contract? If he reinjures himself next season, i dont think anyone would give him a good contract

[ubernathan]

He's worth a lot of money. He is, when healthy, the best center in the league, as well as being the biggest money making player. He is easily worth 4 years of max money.

[KiDdFrESh]

3 year 36 million

[Rendezvous]

4 Year 36 Million + incentives.

[Ribalding]

What's actually do-able?

15mill x 4yrs, (with max annual raises)

[YaoZaii]

3 years 36m and a 4th year team option.

[blims10]

4 years 70 mil.

[Jow128]

I feel like if Yao opted out, he would be after a longer contract at the expense of dollars. 3 for 36 or 4 for 40 would have advantages for both parties, especially if the Rox gave him player options in the last year to 2 years of the contracts.

[TMU]

What's actually do-able?

15mill x 4yrs, (with max annual raises)

Exactly what I had in mind. I don't think the new CBA will be too lopsided in favor of the owners.

[TMACFORMVP]

It's so tough to gauge.

When he's healthy, which is somewhat an oxymoron, he's the second best center in the league. I honestly don't trust his health anymore, but I understand the revenue he brings, and once again that dreaded "potential," factor with our team if the basketball gods were to grant us health for once. There's also the question towards whether he'll even be as effective as he was, recently saying he's only 30% healthy. In general though, he has a good work ethic, and doesn't really rely on his athleticism to be effective. I wouldn't worry about that as much as actually remaining healthy or not.

An ideal contract would be a roughly 3/30.. But a more realistic one would be the ones mentioned, likely in the 14-15+ million dollar range for 3-4 years. But that could turn to be a rather risky proposition, or one that could greatly pay off with the roster that's been assembled around his strengths.