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Rockets make decision on Fred VanVleet after Kevin Durant trade

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 1:17 PM ET

The Houston Rockets did not include Fred VanVleet in the trade that landed them Kevin Durant over the weekend, and they have now made a new commitment to the veteran point guard.

VanVleet and the Rockets on Wednesday agreed to a new 2-year, $50 million contract, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal includes a player option for the 2026-27 season.

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet intends to sign a two-year, $50 million contract to stay with the franchise, with a player option in 2026-27, sources tell ESPN. Rockets are declining VanVleet's $44.9 million team option and land the new deal with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul. pic.twitter.com/rwtEUptBQT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 25, 2025

VanVleet had a $44.9 million team option for next season on his previous contract, but the Rockets have declined that in favor of the new deal. The two sides had agreed to push the deadline for a decision about VanVleet’s option back to June 29, which led to speculation that the 31-year-old might wind up being traded.

VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game this season. He shot 37.8 percent from the field.

The Rockets traded Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft and five second-round picks to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Durant. They managed to keep the majority of their young core together and still have Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason.

VanVleet is now playing under a more reasonable contract, which should help Houston sign Durant to an extension.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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