The Houston Rockets will pursue All-Star Fred VanVleet if they don’t get superstar James Harden this summer, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Both Harden and VanVleet are expected to decline their 2023-24 player options and become unrestricted free agents this offseason.
“The Rockets, though, are prioritizing adding a proven table-setting point guard, then looking to acquire upgrades at the wing and center position, sources said,” Fischer wrote. “And for that, should Harden ultimately stick with the 76ers, Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet has often been linked to Houston as a secondary option who could perhaps slot into the team’s lead ball-handling role.”
VanVleet, who is an undrafted player, signed a four-year, $85 million contract with the Toronto Raptors in November 2020. He averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists this season while shooting 39.3% from the field, 34.2% from beyond the arc and 89.8% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers & Toronto Raptors Updates
The Raptors lost the 9-10 play-in game at home to the Chicago Bulls and missed the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Harden averaged 21.0 points and 10.7 assists this season for the Philadelphia 76ers. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career. The Beard is one of the greatest players in Rockets franchise history. He’s first all-time in 3-point field goals, free throws, assists, triple-doubles, points per game, player efficiency rating, offensive win shares and box plus-minus.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers & Toronto Raptors Updates
The Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games despite having a 3-2 lead in the series.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Harden is expected to sign with the Rockets, the team he played nine years for. But if that doesn’t happen, VanVleet could land in Houston.
The Rockets have over $60 million in cap space this summer. They also have the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
