Yao Ming said Saturday he was ?not sure? if the uncertainty with the NBA's labor negotiations would lead him to become a free agent this summer.

Yao said he has not considered his options, but was noncommittal about whether he might opt out of his contract.

?I'm sure I'm not sure until after we discuss (it),? Yao said. ?We have not started (to) discuss it yet, so I'm not sure, either way. I have to talk to my agent first before we start to decide where I need to go. If you ask my agent, he will say, ?I have to ask Yao and we will start discussing it.'?

Yao's agent, John Huizinga, had no comment.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has often said he expects Yao to be with the Rockets next season under his contract and has made roster moves with that in mind.

Yao has been running on a gravity control treadmill, but is not expected to begin on-court workouts until July.

?This is my favorite place,? Yao said of his preference to remain with the Rockets. ?I have my home here.?