Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Rockets lock in Fred VanVleet on 2-year, $50M deal after declining option

The Houston Rockets are keeping veteran guard Fred VanVleet in the fold, signing him to a two-year, $50 million deal after declining his $44.9 million player option for the 2025-26 season, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

According to Charania, both sides view this agreement as part of a longer-term partnership.

VanVleet, 31, averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals last season across 60 games. While his shooting numbers—37.8% FG and 34.5% from deep—were modest, his true value has been in leadership and stability for the young Rockets roster.

Houston made a big leap in 2024-25, finishing second in the West at 52-30 before falling in a tight seven-game series against the Golden State Warriors.

VanVleet has embraced his role as a mentor to emerging stars like Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr. His presence has helped establish a winning culture—a key reason the Rockets invested in him in 2023.

However, the franchise now enters a critical phase. With Kevin Durant reportedly coming in via trade—in a deal that included Green and Dillon Brooks—and Şengün already extended, Houston is moving toward tighter salary cap constraints.

Re-signing VanVleet for less than his original option gives the Rockets added financial flexibility as they look to retain Durant, build around their core, and compete deep into the playoffs in the coming seasons.

The post Rockets lock in Fred VanVleet on 2-year, $50M deal after declining option first appeared on Fastbreak.


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