In what has to be one of the more bizarre stories of the summer, Golden State Warriors president Robert Rowell has announced plans to pursue the Rockets' Yao Ming.

If you're a Houston fan you have to laugh until you cry at this "news." If you're a Warriors fan, you may find tears running down your face. Tears of embarrassment. Warriors president Robert Rowell announced on Tuesday that he has intentions of pursuing Houston's Yao Ming. Not via trade, mind you, but through free agency . . .in 2006. When Yao Ming becomes a restricted free agent the Warriors seem to be intent on making sure the Rockets pay him the max . . .as if they wouldn't anyway.

Obviously the Warriors would like to cash in on what would be a huge Chinese fan base if Yao Ming were to go to Oakland to play. What, though, would Yao Ming's motivation be? The Rockets have already built the team around him and newly-hired coach Jeff Van Gundy will certainly make sure he is the center of their offense this season. They'll let Steve Francis go before they let Yao Ming slip through their fingers, and they will do whatever they have to do to make sure they are not out-bid on his services. The Rockets are very careful in dealing with their big name free agents. Yao Ming will sign a new maximum deal before the sun has set on his free agency period.

Admittedly, I don't pay a whole lot of attention to the Warriors. Gilbert Arenas had a decent season, but is clearly not worth the maximum deal he demanded from the Warriors. Their move to send Antawn Jamison and Danny Fortson to Dallas for Nick Van Exel and some scrubs doesn't make a lot of sense (sorry, Nick). Van Exel might lead the league in scoring next season, but the Warriors will not have a prayer of making the playoffs. They might have a shot at the league's worst record. Clearly they are not setting a precedent that would make Yao Ming even marginally interested in joining their lottery legacy.

Memo to Robert Rowell: Yao Ming is not going to be available in 2006. You might try focusing on the sinking ship that is currently passing for your basketball team. At this rate, YOU might not be in Oakland in 2006, either.

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