Rockets general manager Daryl Morey doesn't expect center Yao Ming to opt out of his contract and become a free agent next summer.

"He's very loyal, and he's going to opt in," Morey said in an interview with FanHouse. "He's definitely coming back."

Morey didn't say if Yao told him specifically that he wouldn't opt out, but said that the pair have talked often about next season.

"He loves Houston and he's very loyal," Morey said. "He's coming back. (Next) summer we'll talk about how to integrate him (back with the Rockets)."

Yao is expected to be fully healthy by training camp next fall in the wake of surgery on July 21 to repair a fractured left foot.

"He's doing very well," Morey added. "Everything is healing with an operation that was pretty intense. He's ahead of schedule. The smart thing to do is hold him out until next year. ... Everything the doctors are telling us is he'll be available (next season)."