"For the Rockets, replacing Yao Ming likely will be impossible.

Making moves — from using salary-cap exceptions to dealing Yao's expiring contract — could be the key to retooling without him.

The Rockets have begun talks regarding a variety of options designed to motivate teams seeking cost savings to make a deal, a person with knowledge of the Rockets' thinking said.

The Rockets have spoken with Sacramento, which has the sort of young talent the Rockets would seek, and Charlotte, which would more likely have to include attractive draft picks along with contracts, according to one individual familiar with the talks.

The Kings have been steadfast in a refusal to deal first-round pick DeMarcus Cousins, despite a rocky start. The Bobcats are more likely to offer players who don't fit in to the Rockets' plans, such as Boris Diaw and Nazr Mohammed, along with desirable draft considerations.

Nothing is close, with a deal much more likely closer to the February trade deadline, as with last season's trade of Tracy McGrady's expiring contract.

Yao, 30, who attended Monday's game against the Wizards but declined to speak with the media, was given "a heads up" that his contract could be involved in trade talks before the Rockets began discussions with other teams, according to an individual with knowledge of those conversations."