The 2009–10 Houston Rockets season was the 43rd season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The news broke in the off-season when center Yao Ming would miss the upcoming season due to foot surgery. This injury would soon be considered career-threatening. Mid-season, All-Star Tracy McGrady, who was working his way back from knee surgery that kept him out of last season, was traded to the New York Knicks. Despite losing two All-Stars, the Rockets finished 42–40, but did not clinch a playoff spot.