BREAKING: Fred VanVleet Intends to Sign Two-Year, $50 Million Deal to Remain with Houston Rockets — Includes 2026-27 Player Option, per Sources
In a major move that signals stability and ambition for the Houston Rockets, veteran guard Fred VanVleet is reportedly set to re-sign with the franchise on a two-year, $50 million deal, including a player option for the 2026-27 season, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
The agreement keeps the former NBA champion and floor general in Houston, where he has quickly become a key figure in the team’s resurgence.
VanVleet’s Impact on the Rockets
Since arriving in Houston in the summer of 2023, VanVleet has been instrumental in transforming the young Rockets from a rebuilding project to a team with legitimate playoff aspirations.
In his first season with Houston, VanVleet averaged:
✅ 16.2 points per game
✅ 7.5 assists per game
✅ 3.8 rebounds per game
✅ 1.4 steals per game
But beyond the numbers, his veteran leadership, championship experience, and calming presence on the court have been invaluable for a team loaded with young, promising talent such as Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson.
Why the Short-Term Deal Makes Sense
The two-year structure of the deal — with a player option for the second year — provides flexibility for both VanVleet and the Rockets.
For VanVleet:
✔ He maintains control over his future, with the option to test free agency in 2026 if desired.
✔ He secures significant short-term financial security with an annual salary of $25 million.
✔ He positions himself to potentially negotiate another lucrative contract at age 32, depending on performance and market conditions.
For the Rockets:
✔ They retain their starting point guard and locker room leader.
✔ They avoid a long-term financial commitment as they continue to build around their young core.
✔ They maintain cap flexibility for future moves, trades, or extensions for rising stars.
The Bigger Picture: Rockets Aiming Higher
The Rockets have been steadily assembling one of the league’s most intriguing young rosters, blending exciting prospects with seasoned veterans like VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.
Under head coach Ime Udoka, the team showed significant defensive improvement and a clearer identity last season, narrowly missing out on the Play-In Tournament. With VanVleet staying on board, Houston is signaling its intent to accelerate the climb up the Western Conference standings.
VanVleet’s Journey: From Undrafted to Franchise Leader
Fred VanVleet’s story continues to inspire.
Undrafted out of Wichita State in 2016, he worked his way into the league with the Toronto Raptors, eventually playing a crucial role in their 2019 NBA Championship run. Known for his toughness, defensive grit, and clutch play, VanVleet has become a respected leader wherever he goes.
His decision to remain in Houston reflects not only confidence in the organization’s direction but also a desire to help guide the next generation of Rockets talent to success.
ÍRockets Retain Stability, Leadership
While blockbuster trades and superstar free agent signings often dominate the headlines, moves like this one — re-signing a proven leader like Fred VanVleet — can be just as crucial to a franchise’s long-term success.
For the Houston Rockets, keeping VanVleet in the fold ensures their young core continues to grow under the guidance of a battle-tested veteran. And for VanVleet, the deal offers both financial security and the opportunity to continue shaping one of the NBA’s most promising young teams.
