Fred VanVleet, Rockets Reportedly Have 'Mutual Interest' Amid Contract Option Decision
There is "mutual interest" between the Houston Rockets and guard Fred VanVleet as the July 29 deadline nears for the franchise to make a decision on the $44.9 million team option it has for the 2025-26 season.
ESPN's Shams Charania dropped that note amid breaking news on center Steven Adams signing agreeing to a three-year, $39 million extension to re-sign with Houston.
"Adams had until June 30 to sign an extension with the Rockets," Charania began. "Houston now has until June 29 to make a decision on guard Fred VanVleet's $44.9 million team option, and there is mutual interest on a reunion, sources said."
VanVleet, who has played nine NBA seasons, averaged 14.1 points (37.8 percent shooting, 34.5 percent from three), 5.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals last year.
VanVleet signed a three-year, $128.5 million contract in free agency with the Rockets in 2023. In the year prior to his arrival, Houston went 22-60, with the team rebuilding around a very young core. But the Rockets wanted to add some veterans to the mix to lead the way, with VanVleet being a part of that effort.
It's certainly worked. The Rockets improved to 41-41 in 2023-24 before going to 52-30 this season, good enough for second in the Western Conference. Houston took the Golden State Warriors to the seven-game limit in the first round but ultimately fell in the playoffs.
Houston is in position to continue to keep improving upon that success, so keeping VanVleet, who has played an integral part in a 30-win improvement over two seasons, certainly makes sense.
