In a move that solidifies the Houston Rockets' commitment to their growing roster, guard Fred VanVleet has decided to remain with the franchise on a new two-year, $50 million deal with a player option for the 2026-27 season. The Rockets made the strategic decision to decline VanVleet's previous team option to create flexibility for both the team and the player moving forward. Known for his tenacity on defense and sharpshooting from beyond the arc, VanVleet's presence has been instrumental in propelling the Rockets from a rebuilding phase to a legitimate playoff contender.
VanVleet's return to Houston comes amidst a flurry of offseason activity for the Rockets, including acquiring veteran superstar Kevin Durant and securing extensions with center Steven Adams and head coach Ime Udoka. The 31-year-old guard, a key figure in the Rockets' recent success, is a proven winner with an NBA championship under his belt from his time with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. With VanVleet's skill set and experience, combined with the team's revamped lineup, the Rockets are poised to make a strong push in the loaded Western Conference and aim for postseason success in the upcoming seasons.