Yao To The Max

Rockets center Yao Ming signed a five-year extension today in Beijing that should keep him with the Rockets through the 2010-11 season, sources familiar with the negotiations said.

Yao had said since last summer that he hoped to play his entire NBA career with the Rockets.

Keeping Yao, who is training with the Chinese National team, was considered probable because of his interest in staying and the Rockets' willingness to offer the maximum contract allowed.

The extension will guarantee Yao 25 percent of the upcoming salary caps. Using the current salary cap, that would be worth $80.9 million over five years. Next season, the last of his rookie contract, Yao will earn $5.594 million.

Via Houston Chronicle

Houston Rockets

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Mutombo Says Two-year Deal With Rockets, His Last

Dikembe Mutombo signed a two-year deal with the Houston Rockets on Friday and plans to retire after the 2006-07 season.

"I don't see myself playing after this contract," the 39-year-old center said.

Mutombo's return gives the team a solid backup to All-Star center Yao Ming. The 7-foot-2 Mutombo is an eight-time All-Star and four-time defensive player of the year.

"In our opinion he was the best backup in the league last year," Rockets vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey said. "He provided an immense number of wins when Yao was in foul trouble or we were struggling on the defensive end. Our locker room is a really special group of guys and Dikembe, being the elder statesman, is a leader in many of those aspects."

Via ESPN

Houston Rockets

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Anderson Chooses Rockets

Free agent Derek Anderson plans to sign a contract with the Houston Rockets, his agent said Sunday.

Tony Dutt, Anderson's agent, said he informed the Rockets of Anderson's plans, and he expects Anderson to join the team this week.

Anderson was released by the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the NBA's amnesty program. He met last week with Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy. Dutt said that was a pivotal meeting.

"I think he loved the fact of the team concept, and he's gonna earn every minute that he plays," Dutt told Houston television station KRIV.

"We were offered a lot more money at other places, but we were looking more for the fit and opportunity and this is it," Dutt said.

Via Sports Illustrated

Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers

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