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There is mutual interest from Rockets, Fred VanVleet for possible return
There is mutual interest from Rockets, Fred VanVleet for possible return
While the Houston Rockets got eliminated by Golden State Warriors in seven hard-fought, arguably no player in that series was more impactful for the West’s No. 2 seed than point guard Fred VanVleet.
VanVleet, who will be entering the final year of his deal in 2025-26, averaged 18.7 points on 43.0 percent shooting and 43.5 percent from beyond the arc in the series, including 24.3 points and 4.8 assists over the final four games. It wasn’t enough, but he was one of their few reliable sources of offenses throughout the series.
The team will have a pivotal decision to make this offseason regarding his $44.9 million team option. But if the last 48 hours were any indication, both sides are looking to keep their partnership lasting longer.
“I think both sides want to be here and want him here,” head coach Ime Udoka said after its Game 7 loss to Warriors. “From day one, the importance of him at the point guard position, leading us in a lot of ways and allowing guys to grow at the same time. … He’s a huge part of our growth. Love everything he’s done. Perfect combination of on-ball (and) off-ball for our guards and our young guys to grow. Obviously would love to have him back and I think the feeling’s mutual.”
“Obviously, I put my heart and soul into this and this is where I want to be,” VanVleet said. “It’s definitely a family situation. I’ve got a lot of love for our coaching staff and [general manager Rafael (Stone] and the Fertitta family and just what we set out to do when I had my free agent meeting two years ago and we’re on that track. It was never a short-term vision — it was a long-term goal. We’re on track, we’re on schedule. … It’s a tough way to lose and end the season, but my mind’s very far away from contract stuff right now. We’ll get to that when it’s time.”
VanVleet, 31, had a down year statistically, but was still a bulldog for Houston and has been paramount for their refined culture under head coach Ime Udoka. He averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 assists across 60 games last season.
The 6-foot point guard will become extension eligible this offseason. The Rockets have until June 29 to pick up his team option or not.
VanVleet’s contract should have some value around the league if Houston explores the market for, say, a star-studded talent. Obviously, a team would need to have enough space VanVleet exorbitant deal–and Houston would need to have a steady replacement ready. Reed Sheppard spent most of last year developing in the lab and Amen Thompson took significant strides as an initiator in his second season.
If the Rockets do indeed keep VanVleet, however, they will have one of the better facilitating guards in the West. He’s not a shot creator–which they desperately need–but he’s a solid 3-point shooter and good passer, sporting a 3.7 AST-TO ratio in 2024-25.
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