The Houston Rockets are facing several crucial choices this offseason, with one of the biggest surrounding Fred VanVleet’s future with the franchise.
VanVleet signed a three-year, $130 million contract with Houston two seasons ago, and the team holds a $44.9 million player option for the upcoming season — the final year of his deal.
Following the Rockets’ season-ending loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, head coach Ime Udoka was asked whether he expects VanVleet to remain with the team for the 2025-26 season.
“I think both sides want to be here and want him here,” Udoka said. “From Day 1, I’ve talked about the importance of him at the point guard position, leading us in a lot of ways. … Obviously, I’d love to have him back — and I think the feeling is mutual.”
VanVleet’s own comments echoed Udoka’s sentiments. When asked a similar question during his postgame press conference, the veteran guard made it clear that he sees Houston as his long-term home, stating he “wants to be” with the team and describing the Rockets as a “family situation.”
The team’s decision to sign VanVleet in 2023 initially sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning the price tag for a smaller guard with some limitations. Still, Houston believed in his championship experience to help guide a young roster with playoff aspirations.
Even though the Rockets fell short in Game 7, VanVleet has played a key role in their growth, averaging 15.9 points and 6.9 assists over his two seasons in Houston.
All signs point to him returning for a third.
