Fred VanVleet Stays With Rockets: Can Houston Build a Contender Around Him?

By Edcel Panganiban July 08, 2025 21:14

The Houston Rockets made a decisive move this offseason by re-signing Fred VanVleet to a two-year, $50 million contract extension, keeping their veteran guard in the fold through the 2026-27 season with a player option for the final year. This agreement, which replaces VanVleet’s $44.9 million team option for 2025-26, provides the Rockets with salary cap flexibility while securing one of the NBA’s most reliable and experienced floor generals as they aim to build a contender around him.

VanVleet’s impact on Houston since joining in 2023 has been significant. Last season, he averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 37.8% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range. His steady playmaking and defensive tenacity helped the Rockets improve dramatically, culminating in a 52-30 record and a second-place finish in the Western Conference their best performance in years. Notably, Houston posted a +3.2 scoring differential with VanVleet on the court, ranking him in the 71st percentile league-wide, and his ball security was elite, placing him in the 94th percentile for fewest turnovers.

General Manager Rafael Stone and head coach Ime Udoka have expressed strong confidence in VanVleet’s leadership and consistency. Udoka said, “Fred brings poise and grit every night. He’s the kind of player who steadies the ship and makes everyone around him better.” This sentiment reflects the Rockets’ strategy of blending veteran savvy with their young core, especially after the blockbuster trade that brought Kevin Durant to Houston and the re-signing of center Steven Adams.

The key question now is whether Houston can assemble a championship-caliber roster around VanVleet and Durant. While Durant’s arrival instantly elevates the team’s offensive firepower, the Rockets face challenges in depth and defensive versatility. VanVleet’s role as the primary ball-handler and perimeter defender will be critical, but the front office must continue to add complementary pieces who can thrive in Udoka’s system.

Salary cap restructuring around VanVleet’s new deal also gives the Rockets more flexibility in free agency, allowing them to pursue additional talent without luxury tax concerns. As salary cap expert Keith Smith noted, “Lowering VanVleet’s annual salary from about $45 million to $25 million this season frees up space for Houston to be aggressive in building out the roster.” This financial maneuvering is vital as the Rockets seek to balance star power with depth.

VanVleet, now 31, brings not only skill but championship experience from his time with the Toronto Raptors, where he won a title in 2019 and earned an All-Star nod in 2022. His career averages of 14 points, 5 assists, and 1.4 steals over nine NBA seasons underscore his consistency and durability. For Houston, his presence provides stability on and off the court during a pivotal phase of the franchise’s rebuild.

Fred VanVleet’s contract extension is a cornerstone move for the Rockets as they pursue contention in a stacked Western Conference. His leadership, defensive tenacity, and playmaking complement Kevin Durant’s scoring prowess, giving Houston a strong foundation. However, the team’s ability to add quality role players and maintain health will ultimately determine if the Rockets can evolve into true title contenders. As VanVleet himself said recently, “We’re building something special here. It’s about putting the pieces together and competing every night.” The coming season will be a critical test of that vision.