NBA Trade Rumors: Houston Rockets' Yao Ming Being Dangled in Trade Talks

Yao Ming might be sidelined for the duration of the season, but his expiring contract is becoming a very valuable trade chip in recent talks for the club.

With a $17 million deal ready to come off of the books, teams looking for financial security heading into next season's uncertainty may find a deal for the big man rather intriguing.

Eight million dollars of Ming's current deal will be covered by insurance in the wake of his season-ending injury, so if a team were to acquire him before the deadline, they'd only be on the hook for about half of his lucrative deal.

However, with Yao's NBA future in serious doubt, teams won't be willing to give up much in return for the former Shanghai Shark. With the Rockets currently sitting at 14-15 and ninth in the Western Conference, it's clear that they're going to have to make another deal if they hope to find any postseason success.

One thing is for sure: The trade talks are just exploratory at this point and there is nothing close to imminent happening on the front. That said, as the season progresses and we get closer to the trade deadline, there will be an increasing number of teams who may express interest in the big man.

While some are still holding out hope that Ming will be able to contribute after another lengthy 10-month rehab process, it's doubtful that he'll ever be the player he once was when he first came into the league. After playing just five games this season and averaging less than 20 minutes per game, Ming's body might just not be able to handle the rigors of running up and down the court all season.

The first overall pick of the team back in 2002 averaged just 10.2 points and 5.4 rebounds this season in what could be his final go around. It would be an awfully sad way for such a promising talent to end his career, but at the end of the day his health is what is most important for Ming and his long-term outlook.

As for the teams interested in potentially dealing for him? There are about 17 million reasons why he could be valuable heading into next season.