Fred VanVleet's $45M Contract Option Reportedly Expected to Be Picked Up by Rockets

The Houston Rockets are expected to exercise veteran guard Fred VanVleet’s $45 million contract option, following their Game 7 playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

Both head coach Ime Udoka and VanVleet have reportedly expressed a desire to keep the team’s core intact and run it back next season, according to Marc Stein.

n his second season with the Rockets after seven years in Toronto, VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists during the regular season.

The veteran elevated his game in the postseason as Houston pushed the Golden State Warriors to seven games, posting 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while shooting an impressive 43.5 percent from three-point range.

After missing the postseason in his first year with Houston—finishing 41-41 and 11th in the Western Conference—VanVleet appears eager to run it back with the Rockets’ rising young core.

"Obviously, I put my heart and soul into this, and this is where I want to be. It’s definitely a family situation," VanVleet said after the Game 7 loss. "I’ve got a lot of love for our coaching staff, Rafael (Stone, general manager), the Fertitta family (ownership), 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."

Udoka echoed VanVleet’s enthusiasm, expressing strong support for the veteran guard’s continued presence in Houston.

“I think both sides want him here,” Udoka said after Game 7. “He’s a huge part of our growth. Love everything he’s done. Perfect combo of on- and off-ball for our guards and young guys to grow. I’d love to have him back, and I think the feeling is mutual.”