Free agent point guard Fred VanVleet has agreed to a three-year, $130 million contract with the Houston Rockets, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
VanVleet is leaving the Toronto Raptors for the Rockets. He met with Houston officials in Los Angeles right as free agency opened.
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 at home and didn’t qualify for the 2023 postseason. Nick Nurse was fired as head coach after the season and replaced by Darko Rajakovic.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors & Houston Rockets Updates
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 Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. The Illinois native captured the 2019 championship with the Raptors over the Golden State Warriors in six games.
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 will help that cause since the guard is a proven winner who can score and facilitate at a high level.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors & Houston Rockets Updates
Every team needs a star point guard to compete in today’s NBA and VanVleet has established himself as one of the best players at his position. Former MVP James Harden was rumored to be going back to the Rockets, but Houston was more interested in VanVleet. Meanwhile, Harden has requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Most insiders around the NBA believe the Rockets will sign Dillon Brooks next. The Memphis Grizzlies will not be re-signing the forward.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
