Rockets Reportedly Granted $12.5M Exemption for VanVleet Injury, Impact on Salary Cap
The Houston Rockets were granted a $12.5 million disabled players exemption for point guard Fred VanVleet, according to Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko.
VanVleet suffered a torn ACL in a workout before the start of the 2025-26 season.
The Rockets currently have just over $1.2 million in first apron space, although they're not allowed to use the $12.5 million exemption if it pushes them above the first apron (h/t ESPN's Bobby Marks).
Houston could open up the space to utilize the DPE by trading larger salaries, but it's hard to imagine the team parting ways with any key contributor considering its impressive 16-7 start to the year.
The Rockets filed for the exemption on Oct. 27, per Iko.
VanVleet signed a two-year contract worth $50 million with the Rockets during the 2025 offseason after his $44.9 million team option was declined.
The former All-Star struggled with his efficiency last season, averaging just 14.1 points per game while shooting 37.8 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from three-point territory. It's worth noting that he only appeared in 60 games due to ankle issues.
VanVleet also looked much sharper in Houston's first-round playoff defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors last year, recording 18.7 points per game on 43.0/43.5/100 shooting splits during the series.
The Rockets have still thrived to begin this season despite the lack of VanVleet's ball-handling capabilities, ranking No. 3 in the league with a 121.4 offensive rating (via NBA.com).
Kevin Durant has opened his tenure in Houston on a high note, averaging a team-high 24.8 points to go along with 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
