Fred VanVleet, Rockets Postpone $44.9M Team Option Deadline To June 29

[RealGM Wiretap]

Fred VanVleet and the Houston Rockets have agreed to move back Friday's deadline for the team's option on his $44.9 million contract for the 25-26 season to June 29th. Both sides will have additional time to consider exercising the option or engage on a longer team contract.

VanVleet, who is represented by Rich Paul, previously said that he hopes to remain with the Rockets. Rafael Stone has indicated that the Rockets plan on prioritizing continuity this summer.

The Rockets could be active on the trade market leading up to the start of free agency with this collaboration giving the front office extra flexibility. 

VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 35.2 minutes over 60 games in his second season with the Rockets. During the 2023 offseason, VanVleet signed a three-year, $130 million contract with the Rockets after the team pivoted away from James Harden as an option with their cap space.

Via Shams Charania/ESPN

[Skipwhethers]

What is there to postpone? The Rockets would be insane to exercise that option. Decline and mayyybe resign him for much less money and a few extra years.

[deeps6x]

Does FVV have the option to opt in? If so, he needs to do it. He isn't getting a 4 year/120M deal from Houston, or even a 3/90 deal. But when he is done next summer, I could see him signing somewhere for 3/75 or 4/100. It just makes financial sense to opt in. As for the Rockets, I'm sure they can find his replacement on a cheaper deal somewhere else.

14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists isn't that hard to replace. And it sure isn't worth 30M/yr. Plus it is only going to get worse.

I thought it was a Houston team option. If so, they need to decline it. Offer a 2+1 deal, with the third year a team option. FVV isn't the answer. They need to draft Fears if he falls. Or trade down for 15+24 and draft Traore and Walter Clayton Jr. Hell, just cut Freddy loose and do this. Clayton takes his place this year, and maybe next year Traore is ready to take it from Clayton.

[jars]

What is there to postpone? The Rockets would be insane to exercise that option. Decline and mayyybe resign him for much less money and a few extra years.

They may need to exercise it so they can use him as a trade piece for a star.

[Vegeta10176]

What is there to postpone? The Rockets would be insane to exercise that option. Decline and mayyybe resign him for much less money and a few extra years.

They want to see where they are after the trade market.. They aren't picking up the option they may extend at a lower number but it will depend on other moves ..

[dk1115]

It’s likely a sign and trade my friend… they failed to use it with Chris Paul for the warriors two years ago

[Cipoteman]

The Rockets aren't cap pressed and FVV on a $44M expiring contract is much more valuable on the trade market than FVV on a let's say $120M/4yr, especially if they want to trade for Giannis or Durant.

And if they choose to grow organically, in 2026 they'll have more cap space to start extending Amen, Jalen, Jabari, Reed etc so they'd better exercise that option.

[donemilio21]

What is there to postpone? The Rockets would be insane to exercise that option. Decline and mayyybe resign him for much less money and a few extra years.

it pushes it to a date after the draft day. It gives Rockets some flexibility in the trade and FA market, and more time in between to negotiate a new contract.
Rockets are getting pretty expensive next year as the combines salaries of Sengun and Green jump from $18M to $67M