Fred VanVleet will continue his journey with the Houston Rockets after the team declined his $44.9 million option for next season. Instead, the Rockets have reached an agreement to re-sign VanVleet to a two-year deal worth $50 million, which includes a player option for the 2026-27 season. This decision not only aids the Rockets in navigating financial responsibilities post-Kevin Durant trade but also signifies the team’s long-term investment in the veteran point guard, who is entering his 10th NBA season at 31 years old.
The offseason has been eventful for the Rockets, having already extended veteran center Steven Adams on a favorable contract and successfully acquired Durant, whose salary stands at $54.7 million. The franchise’s leadership remains committed to VanVleet’s presence, recognizing his significant contributions to the team, especially during last season, where he averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 35.2 minutes per game, despite dealing with a right ankle strain that limited him to 60 regular-season games.
During the playoffs, VanVleet demonstrated his resilience by averaging 18.7 points in a challenging seven-game series against the Warriors, including standout performances in crucial games that helped prevent elimination. His leadership and on-court skills have been integral in shaping the young Rockets roster, with various team personnel emphasizing his importance to the team’s resurgence.
Looking ahead, the Rockets plan to provide more opportunities for rookie point guard Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, while VanVleet is expected to maintain his starting position at the beginning of the season.
With a history as an NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors and a commendable tenure with the Rockets, VanVleet’s ongoing partnership with head coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone holds promise for enhancing Houston’s competitive edge in the league. The team’s focus on building around core values bodes well for its future.
This focusing on strengthening their roster and commitment to existing players showcases a constructive path forward for the Rockets, suggesting a positive outlook as they aim for greater achievements in the upcoming season.