Sport

Rockets Lock in Fred VanVleet with Two-Year Deal – What's Next for Houston?

2025-06-25

Author: Amelia

The Houston Rockets are making a strategic move by re-signing Fred VanVleet to a two-year, $50 million deal, choosing this path over his $44.9 million team option, according to insider Shams Charania of ESPN.

This new contract features a flat salary structure: VanVleet will earn $25 million next season, with a player option for the following year also set at $25 million.

VanVleet's performance last season included an average of 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds over 60 games, though his shooting stats were below his typical output.

His arrival in the 2023 offseason, alongside notable players like Dillon Brooks and veteran coach Ime Udoka, proved pivotal in guiding a young Rockets squad. Last season, they finished with a respectable 41-41 record, narrowly missing the playoffs in a competitive Western Conference.

The Rockets' upward trajectory continued this past year, where they boasted the second-best record in the West at 52-30, showcasing their potential by almost overcoming the Warriors in the playoffs.

In a bold move, Houston has also completed a blockbuster trade to acquire 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant, sacrificing Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the draft, along with promising guard Jalen Green and several second-round picks.

By retaining VanVleet on this deal, the Rockets optimize their salary cap flexibility, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the championship in 2025/26.

Cap expert Yossi Gozlan notes that this agreement keeps Houston comfortably below the first tax apron, with new financial strategies at their disposal to enhance the team's depth this summer.

Sources suggest that both VanVleet and the Rockets are hopeful for a long-term partnership beyond this initial two-year period, indicating a shared vision for continued success.