Rockets reach deal with Yao, awaiting China's approval

HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets and Chinese center Yao Ming have orally agreed on a contract, and the deal now must be approved by the Chinese Basketball Association.

The 7-foot-5 Yao was chosen first overall by the Rockets.

He is playing for the national team in the Asian Games in South Korea, and the Chinese association has said it would address Yao's contract after the games, which end Monday. The Rockets are hoping he will be ready for their regular-season opener against Orlando on Oct. 20.

"We expect that he will be able to come to the United States shortly after the Asian Games have concluded on Oct. 14," Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said in a statement.

Exact terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but under the NBA's rookie salary scale, Yao could earn up to $3.8 million this season. The team has an option for a fourth season, which could make the total contract worth about $18 million.

AP NEWS
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