Houston, TX (My Sportsbook) - The Houston Rockets have come to terms on a contract with 7-foot-5 center Yao Ming, the No. 1 pick in this year's NBA draft. The Rockets say it's a verbal agreement and Yao's agent, Erick Zhang, reported that the Chinese Basketball Association, which needs to provide the final official approval for Yao to sign the deal, may hold off providing clearance until the Asian Games are completed on Monday. Assuming there are no glitches, Yao is expected to be at the training camp of the Rockets no later than October 20. The Houston Chronicle reported Wednesday that Yao and the Rockets have agreed to a deal worth just over $3.8 million for next season and a package of $17.8 million over four years, with the fourth season at the club's option. The 22-year-old Yao helped lead the Shanghai Sharks to their first Chinese Basketball Association championship earlier this year. He made 72.1 percent of his shots and averaged 32.4 points and 19 rebounds during the season. The Sharks had originally withheld Yao from the draft because Chinese sports officials feared his departure could cause further damage to its fledgling professional league. |
