Rockets trying to buy more time with Fred VanVleet decision

The Rockets are looking to buy more time to decide what to do with Fred VanVleet‘s contract.

They hold a $44,886,930 club option on VanVleet’s contract for next season, and a decision is due on Friday, Spotrac contributor Keith Smith notes.

According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, Houston’s management is in discussions with VanVleet’s representatives to delay that decision until the end of June, just prior to free agency. 

It was reported on Monday that the Rockets and VanVleet had mutual interest in continuing their relationship.

“Obviously, I put my heart and soul into this and this is where I want to be,” VanVleet told reporters. “It’s definitely a family situation. I’ve got a lot of love for our coaching staff and (general manager) Rafael (Stone) and the Fertitta family and just what we set out to do when I had my free agent meeting two years ago and we’re on that track. It was never a short-term vision — it was a long-term goal. We’re on track, we’re on schedule.”

However, VanVleet’s salary number is a huge hit on the books for a team looking to improve the roster after getting bounced in the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs by Golden State. The Rockets could decline the option, then negotiate a multiyear deal at a lesser salary. If Houston declines the option, VanVleet will be an unrestricted free agent, but the Rockets would hold Early Bird rights.

Alternatively, if the Rockets decide they’re comfortable with that $44.9M cap charge next season, they could also exercise the option and explore a more team-friendly extension that begins in 2026-27.