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[Saba Sports News] Fred VanVleet and the Houston Rockets have agreed to delay a key contract deadline as both sides continue discussions about the veteran guard’s future with the team.
The Rockets hold a $44.9 million team option to retain VanVleet for next season. Originally, they had until Friday to make that decision, but the deadline has now been pushed back to June 29.
Notably, this new date comes after the NBA Draft, which is scheduled for June 25–26 — raising the possibility that VanVleet could factor into draft-day trade scenarios if Houston explores that route.
Despite a first-round exit at the hands of the Golden State Warriors in a hard-fought seven-game series, the Rockets had a successful 52-30 campaign and finished second in the Western Conference.
Their promising young core — featuring Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason — took a major step forward this season. VanVleet and fellow veteran Dillon Brooks were brought in to provide leadership and stability.
VanVleet, 31, averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 37.8% from the field. Speaking after the season, he expressed confidence in the team’s direction, “We’re on track. We’re on schedule.”
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka echoed that sentiment, making it clear he wants VanVleet back. “We’d love to have him here, and I think the feeling is mutual,” Udoka said earlier this week.