VanVleet Expected to Sign Two-Year Contract with Rockets

Reports from international media on Wednesday indicate that Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet is poised to finalize a two-year, $50 million contract.

In conjunction with the forthcoming agreement, the Rockets are reportedly opting out of the $44.9 million team option in VanVleet’s existing contract for the 2025-26 season.

This restructured deal is anticipated to afford the Rockets greater financial maneuverability in the upcoming year, allowing VanVleet to potentially explore the 2026 free agency market, where teams are projected to have increased salary cap flexibility.

VanVleet, aged 31, has been a part of the Houston Rockets for the past two seasons, following a seven-season tenure in Toronto. During his time with Toronto, he secured an NBA title in 2018-19 and earned a spot on the All-Star team in 2021-22.

Since his arrival, VanVleet has emerged as a pivotal figure for the franchise, contributing significantly to the team’s progression from a lottery team to a potential playoff contender over his two seasons in Houston.

Having joined the team in the summer of 2023, VanVleet played a role in Houston’s improvement from 22 wins to 41 in his initial year, followed by a leap to 52 wins this past season, securing the number two seed in the Western Conference.

Throughout the current season, VanVleet has posted averages of 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 60 games, starting in each appearance.

He currently ranks third in Houston with 159 successful 3-point shots, as the Rockets clinched a playoff berth for the first time in four years.

VanVleet, who entered the NBA undrafted in 2016 after playing college basketball at Wichita State, holds career averages of 14.9 points, 5.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 550 games played (401 starts).