Rockets’ Fred VanVleet makes $25 million contract decision

After being ousted in the first round of the playoffs for a second year in a row, the Houston Rockets are evaluating all aspects of their roster. Now they know exactly where point guard Fred VanVleet stands entering the 2026-27 season.

VanVleet has opted into his $25 million contract for the upcoming campaign, via Shams Charania of ESPN. If the right opportunity comes, the Rockets could swing a trade and shake up their backcourt. But for now, VanVleet is locked in with Houston.

The point guard missed the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his ACL. His time away from the court may have had some fans forgetting what VanVleet brings to the table. But last time he played, he was shooting the lights out in the playoffs, earning a two-year, $50 million extension.

During that 2024-25 season, VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds while making nearly two steals a game. Over his 133 games total with the Rockets, he has averaged 15.9 points, 6.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 40 percent from the floor and 37 percent from behind the arc.

Due to VanVleet’s injury, sophomore Reed Sheppard was forced to take on more responsibilities. Appearing in all 82 games, he averaged 13.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game, shooting 38 percent from three. Now, the Rockets have both players at their disposal.

Houston’s roster may look completely different come regular season let alone the playoffs. VanVleet isn’t guaranteed to remain with the Rockets. But in terms of his 2026-27 contract, the franchise now knows exactly where they stand when it comes to VanVleet.