Houston Rockets' Major Move: Fred VanVleet's Return
The Houston Rockets have been under the radar this offseason, but they are expected to remain a threat in the Western Conference with the return of former NBA champion point guard Fred VanVleet. VanVleet's return will add firepower to the team's core, bannered by Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr.
What Happened?
Fred VanVleet, a part of the 2019 NBA championship team with the Toronto Raptors, missed the entire 2025-2026 NBA season after suffering a torn right ACL and meniscus during an offseason team workout in the Bahamas in September 2025. He recently exercised his $25 million player option for the 2026-2027 season and is targeting a return for the upcoming preseason.
Why It Matters for Houston Rockets
Without VanVleet, the Rockets handed the playmaking duties to Amen Thompson, who is not a natural point guard, and Reed Sheppard, who only has two NBA seasons under his belt. This proved costly in the playoffs, where they were outplayed by a 41-year-old LeBron James, who ran the Los Angeles Lakers throughout their first-round clash en route to their victory.
What Comes Next?
VanVleet's return will be huge for the Rockets, and everyone will be a year older. "We'll be better, more mature," said Smith Jr. in an interview with Chiney Ogwumike on her show, "Chiney Today" on ESPN. "I really think you're going to see a much better team next season." VanVleet also expressed his confidence that the Rockets are built to win the NBA title next year. "We can win a championship next year," he said.
Recent Form
The Rockets are currently on a recent form of 2W-0D-3L (LWWLL, most recent first), with their last result being a 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026.
The Rockets are expected to be one of the contenders in the Western Conference alongside the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs among others. With VanVleet's return, the Rockets are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs and bring home their first NBA title since 1995.
Fred VanVleet cannot wait to get back on the court for the Houston Rockets next season. In his interview with Andscape, VanVleet got candid about playing in the preseason and getting ready for the NBA grind once again. "I'll be very disappointed if I'm not playing in the preseason," he said. "What I missed the most was the outlet, the exertion, the escape of whatever our lives are in our worlds."
VanVleet's return will be a huge boost to the Rockets' lineup, and fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the court. With the Rockets' recent form and VanVleet's return, they are looking to make a strong push for the playoffs and bring home their first NBA title in over two decades.
