Source: Yao coming back to Rockets

HOUSTON — A person with knowledge of the decision says All-Star center Yao Ming is returning to the Houston Rockets next season, accepting the player option in his contract.

The person did not want to be identified because the team has made no official announcement. KRIV-TV in Houston first reported Yao's decision.

The 7-foot-6 Yao sat out last season following reconstructive surgery on his left foot. If he had turned down the player option, he would've become an unrestricted free agent on Thursday.

General manager Daryl Morey said Tuesday that an official announcement will come "in the next day or two."

Yao is due to make about $17.69 million next season, the last of his five-year contract. The Rockets selected Yao with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft.