Fred VanVleet could sign a two-year, $80 million contract with the Houston Rockets this summer, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
VanVleet declined his 2023-24 player option with the Toronto Raptors, so he becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30. The Rockets, who have over $60 million in cap space, are very interested in signing VanVleet with James Harden increasingly likely to re-sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
“Austin Reaves still appears to be an option for the Rockets, although word has only grown in league circles about Houston’s chances of prying veteran point guard Fred VanVleet from Toronto,” Fischer wrote. “While staying with the Raptors still sounds like it’s on the table for both parties, Houston is prepared to offer VanVleet a very competitive deal, while all those whispers about a James Harden return have noticeably decreased in recent weeks.”
With $61 million in cap space, the Rockets can offer a massive short-term contract for a free agent like VanVleet to entice them to join the rebuild as opposed to taking less for a more immediately competitive team with a smaller offer.
“The Rockets, sources said, are considering short-term, high-salary contracts in order to land top-target free agents with their $61 million in cap space. It would take a maximum contract to ultimately lure VanVleet from Toronto, sources said, which would top out at two-years, $80 million.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors & Houston Rockets Updates
VanVleet averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists this past season while shooting 39.3% from the floor, 34.2% from beyond the arc and 89.8% from the free-throw line. The Raptors lost to the Chicago Bulls in the 9-10 play-in game and didn’t qualify for the 2023 postseason.
VanVleet, who is an undrafted player out of Wichita State, has career averages of 14.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He is represented by Klutch Sports Group. The one-time champion is expected to command $30-plus million annually on his next deal, according to NBA executives who spoke with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors & Houston Rockets Updates
The Rockets won only 22 games this past season. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. New head coach Ime Udoka wants to establish a winning culture in Houston and signing VanVleet would help that cause since the guard is a proven winner who can score and facilitate at a high level.
Every team needs a stud point guard to compete in today’s NBA and VanVleet has established himself as one of the best players at his position.
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