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[Saba Sports News] The Houston Rockets enter the offseason facing several key decisions, with one of the most significant centered on the future of veteran guard Fred VanVleet.
VanVleet signed a three-year, $130 million deal with the Rockets in 2023, and the team holds a $44.9 million option for the final year of his contract. Following Houston’s season-ending loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 7, head coach Ime Udoka addressed VanVleet’s status for the 2025-26 season.
“I think both sides want to be here and want him here,” Udoka said. “From Day 1, I’ve emphasized how important he is to us at point guard — leading on and off the court. I’d love to have him back, and I believe that feeling is mutual.”
VanVleet echoed that sentiment in his postgame remarks, stating unequivocally that Houston is where he wants to stay long term. He described the Rockets as a “family situation,” signaling a strong desire to continue with the team.
Initially, the Rockets’ decision to sign VanVleet was met with skepticism, with some critics calling it an overpay for a smaller guard with defined limitations. However, Houston bet on his championship experience and leadership to stabilize a young, emerging core—and that gamble has paid off.
Now two seasons into his Rockets tenure, VanVleet has averaged 15.9 points and 6.9 assists while helping elevate the team to playoff relevance in the Western Conference.
All signs point to a continued partnership—one that both VanVleet and the Rockets appear eager to extend into a third season.