Houston Rockets’ Fred VanVleet Tears ACL

Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet has torn his ACL, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN.

VanVleet will probably miss the entire 2025-26 season.

Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports is reporting that VanVleet tore his right ACL during a team minicamp in the Bahamas.

VanVleet appeared in 60 games for the Rockets last season. He averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks while shooting 37.8% from the field, 34.5% from beyond the arc and 81.0% from the free-throw line.

Houston lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in seven games.

The Rockets signed VanVleet to a two-year, $50 million contract in July. The veteran will make $25 million in 2025-26. He has a player option worth $25 million for the 2026-27 season.

VanVleet has played for the Toronto Raptors and Rockets. He won the 2019 championship with Toronto against Golden State. The undrafted guard has career averages of 14.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.5 blocks in the NBA.

The Rockets acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns this offseason. They traded Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and draft picks to acquire the NBA legend.

Losing VanVleet is a huge blow for Houston. Head coach Ime Udoka now has to start someone else at point guard. VanVleet was expected to start alongside Amen Thompson, Durant, Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr.

Barring a trade, the Rockets can’t fill their open roster spot with a free agent since they are $1.25M below the 1st apron.

Houston was projected to be a title contender after trading for Durant. Now that VanVleet is out, the Rockets are no longer a championship contender.