Fred VanVleet’s Future with the Rockets: A Smart Bet or a Pricey Gamble?
Alright, let’s talk about Fred VanVleet and his future with the Houston Rockets. It’s one of the biggest talking points heading into the NBA offseason. The veteran guard, known for his leadership and championship pedigree, is at the center of contract negotiations that could shape the Rockets’ future.
Here’s the situation: VanVleet holds a team option for the 2025-26 season worth $44.9 million. That’s a massive number for Houston to commit to, especially when they’re trying to build a sustainable contender around their young core. Now, the Rockets could simply pick up that option and keep VanVleet for another year, but the smarter move—according to reports—might be negotiating a new, longer-term deal at a lower annual salary.
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Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus suggests Houston could look at a three-year, $97.2 million deal. That would bring VanVleet’s annual salary down to around $30 million—a much more manageable number that keeps the veteran in the fold without eating up too much cap space. Some reports even hint at a potential deal starting at $25 million per year, which would give the Rockets even more financial flexibility to build around their young stars.
Now, let’s be real—VanVleet hasn’t had his best statistical season. His shooting has been inconsistent, and his efficiency numbers aren’t exactly elite compared to some of Houston’s rising talents. But his value goes beyond the box score. He’s been the guiding voice for a team full of young players like Amen Thompson and Jalen Green, helping them navigate the ups and downs of an NBA season. That kind of leadership isn’t easy to replace.
The big question is whether Houston should lock in VanVleet for the long haul or explore other options. A sign-and-trade could be on the table if they feel they can upgrade at point guard. But if they let him go, they risk losing a stabilizing presence on a team that’s still finding its identity.
One thing’s for sure: whatever decision the Rockets make will have a huge impact on their future. If they can bring VanVleet back on a reasonable deal, it might be the best of both worlds—keeping their veteran leader while maintaining the flexibility to add more talent. But if they overpay, they could be tying up resources that might be better spent elsewhere.
Houston’s front office has a big decision to make. And with the offseason approaching fast, all eyes will be on the Rockets to see how they play their cards.
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