Rockets Use Disabled Player Exception on Ariza

The Houston Rockets used the NBA Disabled Player Exception to sign free agent forward Trevor Ariza, according to general manager Daryl Morey.

The NBA granted the Disabled Player Exception based on the fact that Yao Ming is not expected to play next season because of his broken left foot.

"As a course of business to give us maximum flexibility, we applied for an injury exception for Yao and it was granted by the league," Morey said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports on Wednesday. "That will allow us to use the Mid-Level Exception to improve the Rockets roster going forward."

By granting the Disabled Player Exception, the NBA is agreeing with the Rockets that it is unlikely that Yao will play during the 2009-2010 season. However, it does not rule out Yao's return. Also, in the unlikely event that Yao does play next season, the Rockets would not be penalized.

The value of the NBA Disabled Player Exception is identical to the Mid-Level Exception. They both begin at approximately $5.8 million per year.

The Rockets chose to use the Disabled Player Exception on Ariza because the NBA only allows it to be used on one player. The Mid-Level Exception can be broken up and used on one or more players.

While Yao is not expected to play next season, he has yet to determine how he will treat his injury going forward.

"I am still considering what course of action is best," Yao said in a statement to FOX 26 Sports issued through his agent John Huizinga.

"Once a decision has been made, I will let people know and I will proceed with the same high level of optimism and dedication that I have had in the past. I look forward to returning to play as soon as my recovery allows."

Meanwhile the Rockets' ability to retain their Mid-Level Exception opens the door for the club to possibly resign free agent guard Von Wafer.

Wafer's agent, Mitchell Butler, told FOX 26 Sports last week the Rockets had yet to make an offer to his client and it was time to pursue other options.

"It opens up the possibility," Morey said to reporters after the Ariza news conference. "I think Von would not have come back for the minimum (salary). We would have wanted him back at the minimum.

"It opens up the possibility now that we've got this exception, that we've got Mid-Level left, that we could bring Von back if it works monetarily for both sides."

Butler is glad that the Rockets are once again an option for Wafer.

"I think it's great for Von," Butler said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. "He's always expressed that the Rockets are his first priority. He's tired of moving around and playing for different coaches in different systems.

"He loves his teammates, the coaching staff and the fans."