^^also, all evidence seems to indicate that yao is an extremely humble and loyal type of player. i don't think he's going to bolt houston just for a shot at a championship. he's played for so many years for his national team, knowing full well that in his lifetime that they would not field a team that would ever be truly competitive with the elite teams of the world. he does it out of duty, respect, and pride for his country.
my bet is that he stays with houston, out of loyalty to the fans and to the team that selected him. it might not bring him a trophy, but i hope that he is happier knowing that he gave it his all and didn't sell out to go ride on a young superstar's coattails.