The last seven years have proven just how much the Houston Rockets value the point guard position. After acquiring future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul, the franchise acquired another legendary point guard in Russell Westbrook.
After determining that the Westbrook-James Harden duo wouldn’t work, the franchise acquired another top-tier point guard in John Wall. And despite acquiring Wall, the Rockets acquired Kevin Porter Jr. and changed his position to point guard.
The Rockets considered bringing back James Harden, but ultimately signed another point guard in Fred VanVleet, who brought the leadership, defense, and lunchbox attitude and mentality that Ime Udoka sought. VanVleet was everything the Rockets hoped for last season (even if he often developed a laser eye for Alperen Sengun when there were better options).
The 2019 NBA champion could still become an unrestricted free agent after 2025, however, as the third year of his contract includes a team option. If the Rockets make the surprising decision to decline his option, there will surely be no shortage of suitors looking to secure his services.
Especially based on the latest list of free agents from the 2025 free agent class, which ranks him seventh in the class by Chris Kline of FanSided. The reasoning is below.
“Fred VanVleet’s contract includes a $44.8 million club option for the 2025-26 season. There’s a world in which the Houston Rockets pick him up and float VanVleet’s expiring contract in trade talks, but that’s a lot to commit to a 6-foot-1 guard on the wrong side of 30. VanVleet was excellent last season, but it’s fair to wonder how his game will age.
That said, VanVleet continues to play to his strengths in unique ways on defense. He’s a highly trained pickpocket and his offensive production is well-documented. From deep three-pointers to perfectly controlled pick-and-roll actions, VanVleet can still lead an offense and elevate his teammates. The Rockets benefited immensely from VanVleet’s steady hand last season, but there was another factor that pushed him out the door into Houston’s wealth of young talent.
Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick in June’s NBA draft, has been the best rookie in Summer League. He looks like he could be VanVleet’s successor, and the Rockets will also need to open up more avenues for Amen Thompson to play down the stretch. VanVleet has been a good transition leader for the Rockets, but he’s not their long-term point guard.
The full list is below:
1. Jimmy Butler
2. Kyrie Irving
3. James Harden
4. Aaron Gordon
5. Myles Turner
6. Brandon Ingram
7. Fred Van Vleet
8. Alex Caruso
9. Jonathan Kuminga
10. Tyus Jones
It would be a surprise if the Rockets let VanVleet go. They think very highly of him.
So much so that there was speculation as to whether they would offer him a new contract with a short-term band-aid.
But again, if that happens, he will be highly sought after.
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