The Houston Rockets will renew its contract with Yao Ming for the 2005-2006 season. The contract gives the Rockets an exclusive right to negotiate a long-term extension for Yao Ming.

The 5.6 million-dollar contract gives the Rockets an exclusive right to negotiate a long-term extension for Yao Ming, beginning with the 2006-2007 season.

It will also match any offer he might receive if he becomes a free agent after that season.

The 24-year-old Chinese has played for the Rockets since he was taken in the 2002 NBA draft and played as All-Star starter in each of his first two NBA seasons.

Last season, he averaged 17.5 points and nine rebounds.

Source: Xinhua